One subtlety to note is that the points are split amongst millions of accounts whose balances cannot, in general, be combined to redeem the miles. Accounts which have balances lower than the minimum award levels are said to contain "orphaned" miles if the holder cannot accrue more to reach that minimum award level.

FewMiles..

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Unofficial Guide to AAdvantage: http://home.webflyer.com/fewmiles/AA/