Booking an American Airlines Vacation Package — Reader Success Story
Today I want to share a story from TPG reader Marco, who saved money, flew more comfortably and earned extra miles on a recent business trip. Here's what he had to say:
I work for a multinational company headquartered in Europe, and I have to cross the Atlantic on business every five or six weeks. I usually fly out on Sunday night and return on Friday, and non-stop service on American Airlines usually costs around $2,400 just in economy. At that price business and even premium economy are out of the question, but I'm still racking up a lot of EQMs and EQDs, and even reached Executive Platinum status last year.
While looking through the vast TPG archives I stumbled upon an article explaining American Airlines special fares, and figured I would give AA Vacations a try the next time I had to book a business trip. That opportunity came in January, when I checked AA Vacations and found a bundle consisting of a non-stop flight in premium economy and four nights in a hotel near work for only $1,800. Not only would I be saving my company $600 on airfare, but I'd also save an additional $440 on the hotel compared to booking both separately — all while experiencing the newly refreshed AA premium economy product. It was a win-win situation.
Since elite credits and award miles for special fares are based on distance (rather than cost), this 6,800-mile trip would earn me 10,200 EQMs, 1,360 EQDs and 14,960 award miles. As I was getting ready to book, I saw AA Vacations was also running a promotion offering 20,000 bonus AAdvantage miles (in addition to the standard 1,000-mile bonus) for select trips to Europe. Fortunately, my destination was eligible, so in the end I netted a whopping 35,960 miles for my flight. Thanks for the tips!
I tend to focus on award travel strategies, but there are plenty of deals on paid airfare that can help you save even if you don't have a point or mile to your name. All the major domestic airlines (and most large international carriers) offer vacation packages for airfare, hotels and rental cars. As Marco experienced, the savings can be substantial and in some cases unbelievable, as you can often find air and hotel packages that price out lower than the cost of airfare alone. Even if you have no need for a hotel, you can just book a package for the discounted flight and stay somewhere else.
The downside of vacation packages is that you lose some flexibility. You may have fewer flight options, and the change and cancellation policies may be stricter than normal, so think twice about booking if your plans are still uncertain. Also, make sure to check your fare code so you don't end up in basic economy, and read through the hotel's policies to avoid unpleasant surprises (especially if you're not planning to show up). Despite those warnings I think it's worth checking package rates, especially when you travel abroad. Just know exactly what you're getting into before you buy!
I love this story and I want to hear more like it! To thank Marco for sharing his experience (and for allowing me to post it online), I'm sending him a $200 airline gift card to enjoy on future travels, and I'd like to do the same for you. Please email your own award travel success stories to info@thepointsguy.com; be sure to include details about how you earned and redeemed your rewards, and put "Reader Success Story" in the subject line. Feel free to also submit your most woeful travel mistakes. If your story is published in either case, I'll send you a gift to jump-start your next adventure.
Safe and happy travels to all, and I look forward to hearing from you!
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.