Yesterday I talked about five popular AA awards that you should definitely book before the March 22 devaluation. Today it is time to discuss two extremely popular AA awards that you do not have to rush to book before the devaluation.
Business Class Awards to Africa
Much to my surprise, the award rate for business class awards to Africa will stay the same after the devaluation: 75,000 miles. This is extraordinary news considering how good award availability is to Africa with AA oneworld partner Qatar Airways and the number of U.S. and African destinations served by Qatar. I would argue that booking an AA business class award to Africa post-devaluation will be the new “best use” of AA miles.
Business Class Awards to Middle East/Indian Subcontinent
While the award rate for a business class AA award to the Middle East/Indian Subcontinent is going up on March 22, it is only going up by 2,500 miles (from 67,500 to 70,000 miles). Of course, if you have a trip to the Middle East/Indian Subcontinent already in mind and plans are at least close to set in stone, by all means make sure to book your award before March 22. However, I would not book such a speculative award just to potentially save 2,500 miles.
This is the type of increase that no one could have argued against. Instead, AA chose to gut most of the rest of their premium cabin rates.
Bottom Line
While it was mostly all bad news when the AA devaluation was announced, fortunately it was not all devastating. The aforementioned two routes will remain extraordinary valuable to book with AA miles.
Need assistance with your next award trip? Consider the PMM Travel Consulting or Juicy Miles award booking services for all your redemption needs.
The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
1 comment
Indeed, after figuring out all the advance machinations required to book a potential 2017 trip to India in EY First apartments at 90k, I figured it would just be a lot easier and with more availability to fly Qatar J at 70k instead.