Few would argue that the distance alone from Honolulu to London would be a good reason to finally redeem miles. But which class of service? It's always been a dream of mine to fly round-trip first class to Europe but I've always been overly cautious thinking that it would be a waste. For the same miles value I could fly at least twice in economy. But then again after a long tiring 10-hour flight, I can't help to admire the first class suites that I pass by from my economy seat.
Miles redemption has always been difficult from Honolulu. But this time rather than despairing over it further, it would cost 120,000 AAnytime miles for each way and it was a done deal. I have to mention that a round-trip economy ticket to London is roughly about $1,200-$1,600 roundtrip based on the best fares in July 2010.
For comparison, below is the current redemption chart for American Airlines. One creative way to use miles is to fly in one class of service one way and then another on the return. Fly first going and economy coming back or vice versa. It's your choice.
By the way as much as I tried, I could not find dates for a MilesSAAver Peak Award which would have reduced the miles redemption to 62,500 miles each way. These dates are few and more likely abundant more than six months prior to travel.
Also be warned about being a miles hoarder. Many passengers fail to redeem miles in a timely manner only to be subject to higher minimum miles when they do decide to travel.
ONE-WAY AWARDS ON AMERICAN AIRLINES, AMERICAN EAGLE AND AMERICANCONNECTION
AWARDS MAY BE USED ONE WAY OR COMBINED FOR ROUND-TRIP OR MULTI-CITY TRAVEL |
To / From |
To / From |
Award Type |
Economy Class |
Business/First Class* |
First Class† |
Miles Required |
Miles Required |
Miles Required |
Wholly Within Continental U.S.§/Canada |
MileSAAver
AAnytime |
12,500
25,000 |
25,000
50,000 |
32,500
65,000 |
Within and Between the Continental U.S./Canada/Mexico/The Caribbean |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
12,500
17,500
35,000 |
30,000
60,000 |
40,000
80,000 |
Continental U.S.§/Canada/ Mexico/Caribbean** |
Hawaii |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
17,500
22,500
45,000 |
37,500
75,000 |
47,500
95,000 |
North America§§ |
Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru or Venezuela |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
15,000
17,500
35,000 |
30,000
60,000 |
40,000
80,000 |
North America§§ |
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile or Uruguay |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
20,000
30,000
60,000 |
50,000
100,000 |
62,500
125,000 |
Wholly Within South America
(Valid only on AA flights wholly within South America) |
MileSAAver
AAnytime |
12,500
25,000 |
22,500
45,000 |
30,000
60,000 |
North America§§ |
Europe |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
20,000
30,000
60,000 |
50,000
100,000 |
62,500
125,000 |
North America§§ |
India |
MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
45,000
90,000 |
67,500
135,000 |
90,000
180,000 |
North America§§ |
Japan |
MileSAAver
Off-peak
----------- MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
25,000
32,500
65,000 |
50,000
100,000 |
62,500
125,000 |
North America§§ |
China |
MileSAAver Peak
-----------
AAnytime |
35,000
70,000 |
55,000
110,000 |
67,500
135,000 |
View Upgrade Awards
View AAdvantage Partner Airline Travel Award Charts
Off-peak dates:
Hawaii: Jan. 12 - Mar. 8; Aug. 22 - Dec. 15
The Caribbean and Mexico: Sep. 7 - Nov. 14
Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela: Jan. 16 - Jun. 14; Sep. 7 - Nov. 14
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay: Mar. 1 - May 31; Aug. 16 - Nov. 30
Europe: Oct. 15 - May 15
Japan: Oct. 1 - Apr. 30 |
* | Valid for First Class on flights with two classes of service where applicable and Business Class on all other flights. |
† | Valid for First Class on flight offering three classes of service. |
§ | Continental U.S. includes Alaska. |
** | Caribbean includes The Bahamas and Bermuda. |
| |
§§ | North America is defined as the U.S. (including Hawaii and Alaska), Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean. |
AAdvantage award travel is subject to governmental regulations. |
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