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American Airlines Increasing AAnytime Awards to Australia and New Zealand

Jan. 24, 2017
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3 min read
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American Airlines Increasing AAnytime Awards to Australia and New Zealand
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Back in August, we were alerted that American Airlines was adding higher-level AAnytime award levels to certain routes. By that point, a slew of domestic routes had already been increased — particularly around Thanksgiving. However, the one bit of advance notice we received was that first and business-class awards from the US to Auckland (AKL) and Sydney (SYD) were getting a higher "AAnytime Level 4" rate starting in September.

Flight options from LAX-SYD show the existing three levels of AAnytime awards. Soon you'll see dates at 150K.

At the time, the AA spokesperson noted that economy rates wouldn't be changed — at least for the time being. Now, it seems, the time for that change has come. Starting in early-mid February there will be a new, higher redemption level. On a small number of dates, economy rates will be as high as 150,000 AAdvantage miles each way.

Flights to/from AKL or SYDEconomy
MileSAAver
40,000
AAnytime Level 1
70,000
AAnytime Level 2
90,000
AAnytime Level 3 **
120,000
AAnytime Level 4 **
150,000

**Note: American Airlines only publishes "MileSAAver" (cheapest awards), "AAnytime Level 1" and "AAnytime Level 2" (most expensive published awards) on its award chart. In addition, the award chart notes, "There are select dates that require a higher number of miles (in addition to Level 1 and 2 awards)." Colloquially, we refer to this next-higher level as "AAnytime Level 3." With the addition of another, higher level, we are referring to this as "AAnytime Level 4." Just note that you won't see this terminology listed by American Airlines.

As with the additional premium cabin levels added in September, this addition just doesn't seem justified. Revenue fares from Los Angeles (LAX) to SYD and AKL are as low as $945 round-trip, and don't usually go any higher than $1,790 round-trip. At a rate of 300,000 award miles round-trip, you're getting less than 0.6 cents per mile of value — well under TPG's 1.5-cent valuation for AAdvantage miles. And, it's not like American Airlines is filling up flights anyway.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, this isn't too notable of a devaluation. If you're set on visiting the South Pacific using AAdvantage miles and your dates aren't flexible, you might see a price increase once the changes go into effect. So, you might want to book now if you've got the miles.

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Generally though, travelers shouldn't be too affected by this change. With a bit of flexibility — even with American Airlines' SAAver availability — you should be able to book flights with AAnytime Level 1 or 2 rates.

Have you had any luck redeeming AAdvantage miles to Australia or New Zealand recently?

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Why We Chose It

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  • 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.