5 Best Ways to Use American Airlines Miles

The general public doesn’t seem to understand how valuable miles are and how easy they are to get even if you aren’t a frequent flier. This week I’ll be discussing how to get those miles as well as showing you how to get the most value out of those miles. First I’m going to retouch on the American Airlines Citi Credit Card. They still have an ongoing offer for 50,000 miles after being approved and spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. If you fly on any American Airlines flight the flight attendants will offer the same credit card but they offer 60,000 miles with the same conditions. Along with the credit card you also receive these benefits:

-No foreign fees on purchases

-First checked bag free for you and up to 4 traveling companions ($25 per checked bag value)

-Group 1 priority boarding on Domestic Flights

-%25 discounts on food and alcohol purchases on board

-Earn %10 of your redeemed miles back

-Earn double miles on any American Airlines purchase

                                                                                                   

The credit card comes along with an annual fee of $95/year but is waived for the first year. Just with the benefits listed above the annual fee pays for its self. I’ll now start the countdown on the best ways to use these miles. Please note that American Airlines miles can also be redeemed for travel on any One World Alliance Airline.

The airlines are listed below:

-Air Berlin

-American Airlines

-British Airways

-Cathay Pacific

-Finnair

-Iberia

-Japan Airlines

-LAN

-TAM

-Malaysia Airlines

-Qantas

-Qatar

-Royal Jordanian

-S7 Airlines

-SriLankan

As you can see, One World has a wide range of affiliates from practically every part of the world. Most of these airlines are also known for their luxurious First/Business Class products that are easily accessible with American Airlines miles.

#5 American Airlines Mile Saver Coach from The USA to South America

Flights from the USA to South America (Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile and Bolivia) are 20,000 miles one-way (40,000) round trip from the beginning to March until the end of May as well as from mid August until the end of November. Availability for these flights are never an issue and you can book these flights without worrying about mile prices going up. The taxes and airline fees will only cost you a mere $5.60. Below is an extreme example from Miami to Montevideo, Uruguay. I have seen one way tickets to Montevideo cost up to $3,000 one way, as you can see most dates are available for 20,000 miles one way. Major cities will have more availability.

#4 Etihad Sky Apartments from Abu Dhabi to Sydney Australia

Etihad has created one of the most luxurious First Class products on the market. They have actually created what they call “Apartments” up in the sky. The flight from Abu Dhabi to Sydney lasts about 14 hours and can cost any where from $20,000-$40,000 if actually purchased. With American Airlines miles you can actually book a one-way ticket in one of these apartments for 60,000 one-way. This could give you a once in a lifetime experience you couldn’t normally get unless you are planning on coughing up 40 grand on a 14-hour flight.

#3 Business Class from Los Angeles to Lima, Peru on LAN’s 787 Dreamliner

This is one of the most valuable business class offers that you can possible redeem with miles. LAN has continued to grow its destinations in South America and has proved them selves to the Latin community. They offer a great business class product, a one-way ticket in business to lima could cost you any where from $5,000-$10,000. With American Airlines miles you could purchase a one-way ticket with only 30,000 miles.

#2 American Airlines Mile Saver Coach off peak from USA to Tokyo, Japan

This offer is extremely valuable for people looking to visit Asia. During off peak season (October 1st – April 30^th) you can book a one-way ticket from the USA to Tokyo for only 25,000 miles in coach. These flights can usually cost up to $4,000 roundtrip when flying on American Airlines.

#1 MY FAVORITE! American Airlines Mile Saver Coach from USA to Europe!

This is the best American Airlines has to offer. It allows you to fly to Europe and experience an affordable vacation without paying for ridiculous flights. From October 1^st until May 15^th (almost half the year) you can find one way flights from the USA to Europe (Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam etc.) for only 20,000 miles one way. Imagine, if you signed up for their credit card and earned 60,000 miles you could fly round trip to Europe and still have 20,000 miles left over for a one way to South America! I personally took advantage of this offer last year and will be doing it again this year in the Fall.

So now I am sure you understand how powerful the currency of miles can be. It can allow you to experience things you would normally never have the chance to. The best part is that these miles are easily accessible even if you aren't a frequent flier. If you are looking to purchase a trip with miles and need any help at all feel free to message me through Google Circles.