It's not too late: book a holiday trip to Mexico with open American award space
Dreaming of a holiday in the sun but don't want to break the bank? We have good news for you.
American Airlines has wide-open December award space for two or more passengers from hub airports to popular tourist destinations in Mexico, like Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. Many of these destinations have award space over the holidays, and others have space at the beginning of the month, letting you beat the crowds. Whatever you pick, you're sure to enjoy warmer weather, excellent food and a selection of points-friendly resorts and hotels.
Let's take a closer look at this award space and how to book it with your points and miles.
For more TPG news and deals delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
The deal
Airline: American Airlines
Routes: Various American hubs to various cities in Mexico
Cost: From 25,000 AAdvantage miles + $97.21 or 15,000 British Airways Avios + $97.21 round-trip
Dates: December 2021
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) (3x on air travel ), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel), American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel).
Last-minute holiday award space to Mexico
Below you'll find nonstop award space from American hubs to tourist destinations in Mexico. That said, you may be able to fly from other airports with a connection for the same price when you book with AAdvantage. Unfortunately, booking with Avios will result in you paying for the connection since it prices each segment individually.
Each of the dates listed below has award space for two or more passengers — here's a look.
Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to/from Cancun (CUN)
Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) to/from Cancun (CUN)
Los Angeles (LAX) to/from Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Miami (MIA) to/from Cozumel (CZM)
New York-JFK to/from San José del Cabo (SJD)
Phoenix (PHX) to/from San José del Cabo (SJD)
Related: Ultimate guide to searching award availability for the major airlines
How to book
If booking with American, head to the airline's website and enter your desired itinerary in the search box on the homepage. Make sure to select the "Redeem miles" option to view award prices.
You can view available flights for your date of travel at the center of the screen.
If you have flexible dates, click the "Calendar" button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen to view a month's worth of award space at once.
Dates with saver award space are bookable with Oneworld partner programs, like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and British Airways Avios. You can view award space online (though British Airways' award search engine is currently down).
Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
Maximize your purchase
Don’t forget to use a card that earns additional points on airfare purchases to pay for award ticket taxes and fees. Some great options include The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Citi Premier Card (3x on air travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel), American Express Gold Card (3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel).
Many of these cards also offer travel protections, like trip delay and baggage delay insurance. These protections are even more important during the holidays when high demand and possible bad weather can delay flights with little room for recovery. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve will cover your hotel and food expenses when you experience a lengthy covered delay, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
All screenshots courtesy of aa.com
Feature photo by CAN BALCIOGLU/Shutterstock.com