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Towards the beginning of June American Airlines launched a mileage sale which was supposed to run through to the end of the month but, for reasons best known to the airline, the sale has been extended through to 2 August.
I wasn’t going to write about the sale again but, having just looked at the deal one more time, I think it’s worth restating just how good an offer this can be….as long as you’re careful with which awards you book.
Buy AAdvantage Miles For 1.73 Cents Each
In the current sale American Airlines is offering bonus miles and a discounted price according to the following chart…
…and what this all comes down to is the fact that you can currently buy 250,000 miles (150,000 + bonus) at just 1.73 cents per mile.
Considering 1.73 cents/mile is a better deal than American Airlines offerd in its 2018 Black Friday sale this is a sale well worth closer scrutiny.
The Awards You Can Book
Anyone who’s been keeping up with the way the American Airlines AAdvantage program has been going over the past few years will know that it has become increasingly difficult to redeem AAdvantage Miles for premium cabin saver awards on American Airlines.
In fact, it has become so tough to find premium cabin saver awards on American Airlines that I’ve essentially given up – life’s just too short!
However, the story for partner awards isn’t so bleak and this is where you can find some really great deals if you’re prepared to be a little flexible with your dates.
Courtesy of the oneworld alliance, American Airlines partners with the likes of Qatar Airways, JAL, Finnair, and Cathay Pacific all of whom offer better all-around premium cabin experiences than American Airlines and, courtesy of a separate partnership, you can also book some fantastic premium cabins on Etihad.
Buying miles in this sale can be a great way to experience the premium cabins these airlines offer at a comparatively affordable rate….and for far less than most cash faes you’ll find.
Based on a purchase price of 1.73 cents/mile, this is what some of the more aspirational awards will cost:
Business Class (Roundtrip)
- USA – Tokyo (JAL): 120,000 miles at a cost of~$2,076 + taxes/fees
- USA – Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific): 140,000 miles at a cost of ~$2,422 + taxes/fees
- USA – Brazil (LATAM): 115,000 miles at a cost of ~$1,990 + taxes/fees
- USA – Middle East (Etihad/Qatar): 140,000 miles at a cost of ~$2,422 + taxes/fees
- Europe – Middle East (Etihad): 85,000 miles at a cost of ~$1,471 + taxes/fees
- Europe – Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific): 150,000 miles at a cost of ~$2,595 + taxes/fees
First Class (Roundtrip)
- USA – Tokyo (JAL): 160,000 miles at a cost of~$2,768 + taxes/fees
- USA – Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific): 220,000 miles at a cost of ~$3,806 + taxes/fees
- USA – Middle East (Etihad/Qatar): 231,000 miles at a cost of ~$3,996 + taxes/fees
- Europe – Middle East (Etihad): 125,000 miles at a cost of ~$2,163 + taxes/fees
- Europe – Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific): 180,000 miles at a cost of ~$3,114 + taxes/fees
There are some truly fantastic deals among this set of awards (the Europe – Middle East awards are had to beat IMO) and, if you can find availability, there are great awards to be had on the likes of LATAM, Qantas, and Iberia too.
Don’t Forget
American Airlines sells its own miles so, if you can see a good reason for buying AAdvantage Miles in this promotion, make sure you use a credit card that will earn you a travel/airline category bonus.
Good examples are:
- Amex Platinum – 5 points/dollar
- Citi Prestige – 5 points/dollar
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – 3 points/dollar
- Citi ThankYou Premier – 3 points/dollar
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – 2 points/dollar
Bottom Line
If you can find award availability that works for you there are some seriously good deals to be had here….and even I’m considering making a purchase.
Make sure you check award availability before you dive in and buy miles (never buy miles in the hope that you may use them economically at some unspecified date in the future) and make sure you compare the cost of any awards you find to the cash fare to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
If you don’t make any speculative purchases you shouldn’t go too far wrong with this sale.
I hear that domestic Latam Award flights are only $7500 each way anywhere In Brasil but you have to call American Airlines directly, so hear are my questions:
1. Has anyone done the phone booking and how easy is it?
2. What about availability?
Thanks In advance for any help.