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What's The Best Way To Find AA Awards For Use On US Airways?

July 20, 2014
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2 min read
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What's The Best Way To Find AA Awards For Use On US Airways?
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This week, TPG reader Monica sent me a Facebook message with a great question:

"I've read several of your articles about US Airways miles eventually transferring to AA miles. Is that option getting closer? We have US Airways miles that we want to use, but the flights we can afford are on AA. When I called US Airways, they said AA didn't open the flights up. Ugh! They said to call back every day until the awards open up, but by then they may no longer be affordable. Do you have any suggestions for me?"

It's frustrating to have to call an airline every day, so what' I'd recommend is to go on AA.com and try to find Saver level awards from your city to Hawaii, and be prepared to be a little flexible with your schedule. (USAirways.com can be very buggy, and though it should show American Airlines awards, sometimes it doesn't.) You may be surprised by what's available on American's site, as it sometimes prices out connections that US Airways doesn't.

You could also check ExpertFlyer.com, which will allow you to set flight alerts for a monthly fee. The second those Saver level awards open up on American, you'll get a notification email, and then you can either book them on USAirways.com or call US Airways and book over the phone.

American Airlines Saver level awards *should* show up in US Airways' system - but sometimes they don't.

Often times, US Airways reps - and those at any other airline, for that matter - are wrong. You need to guide them as much as possible. Try to find the Saver level awards - which should be available to US Airways - and then hopefully you'll find yourselves on vacation!

Hopefully, these tips were helpful. Please feel free to write me with additional questions by messaging me on Facebook, tweeting me @ThePointsGuy, or sending me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

[card card-name='The US Airways® Premier World MasterCard®' card-id='22089398' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.