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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.