American Airlines launches a million-seat sale with awards starting at 5,000 miles one-way
American Airlines AAdvantage's dynamic pricing has led to some absurdly high award rates on flights operated by American Airlines or American Eagle. It's not unusual to see transatlantic business-class flights priced over 200,000 miles and even domestic economy flights priced higher than 50,000 miles.
However, the positive side of dynamic award pricing is that you can also find American AAdvantage award flights priced as low as 5,000 miles. And you might find more of these inexpensive AAdvantage awards right now since American just launched a spring deal with more than 1 million seats on sale for travel between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30.
You'll want to book soon for the best availability, but this deal is technically available for bookings through May 28. With this spring deal, you can book Main Cabin fares within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America on American Airlines or American Eagle flights for as low as 5,000 miles one-way. Plus, you can book Main Cabin fares between the U.S. and London from 15,000 miles one-way (and to other European destinations from 20,000 miles one-way).
Of course, not every route and date will be priced at these low rates. But if you want to fly on American Airlines or American Eagle between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30, now is a good time to check award rates through AAdvantage. For example, TPG's Becky Blaine found a nonstop flight from Phoenix to London for 15,000 miles plus $5.60.
And TPG's Clint Henderson found a nonstop flight from New York City to Paris for 20,000 miles plus $5.60.
I also found many great domestic awards, including a nonstop flight from Miami to Los Angeles for 5,000 miles plus $5.60.
And there's also some flights to Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America from 5,000 miles one-way. San Jose, Costa Rica; Panama City; Managua, Nicaragua; Guatemala City; San Salvador, El Salvador; San Pedro Sula, Honduras; and Comayagua, Honduras, are excluded, but other destinations served by American Airlines or American Eagle — such as Belize City — have award options from 5,000 miles each way.
Related: How to earn miles in the American Airlines AAdvantage program
Bottom line
These deals are widespread for Main Cabin fares on American Airlines and American Eagle between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30. So, book now if you plan to travel during these dates. Remember that AAdvantage award bookings offer free cancellation and redeposit of miles, so there's no harm in booking award flights now, even if you aren't sure you'll be able to go on the trip you book.
Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.