American Airlines has been moving to dynamic pricing like United and Delta.
This is usually nothing positive, but one of the good things that came out of this was Web Specials introduced in 2018.
You can get a one way ticket starting at 5000 miles each way instead of the usual average 12,500 miles.
These are not only in economy.
They have Web Specials in business and first class too.
This is not just domestic flights either.
You can snag an international deal too.
Since American has no announcement for these, you have to just look.
They seem to come and go.
I see they have Web Specials right now.
I saw one yesterday for 7000 miles each way from JFK to LAX.
Of course, we are in a pandemic.
If you wanted to fly to California, you would have a 10 day quarantine requirement.
I assume these will disappear as spring break gets closer.
There will probably be more demand for flights.
Saving on flight awards is an important part of your point’s strategy.
Since American Airlines Web Specials is an easy way to save on awards, here is all you need to know.
This will give you more travel for less after the pandemic.
Because of the pandemic, you can even get your points refunded with no fees.
What Are American Airlines Web Specials?
As you know, award flights are ones that you book with miles instead of cash.
I assume some of my audience may be complete novices in case you are wondering why I mentioned this.
You can book the following types of awards:
- Economy
- Economy +
- Business
- First Class
American Airlines offers two general award types:
- MileSAAver awards
- AAnytime awards
MileSAAver Awards
These are standard awards.
They start at 7500 AAdvantage miles one way though the average is 12,500.
This is what people generally mean when they refer to American Airlines award flights.
These go fast during busy times and holidays.
AAnytime Awards
These are award seats you can find anytime.
These are more expensive and usually start at around 20,000 miles.
These are not awards you want to book.
They are usually not worth your miles.
The only time people book these are when they must book a last minute flight.
The Web Specials are usually discounted on the MileSAAver awards although if you need to book a last minute flight, you could find one on an AAnytine Flight.
Again, on domestic flights, Web Specials start out as low as 5,000 points each way on flights that are usually 12,500 miles.
They can be found on international flights too.
We are in a pandemic though.
For example, a flight from New York to Cancun might be 10,000 one way instead of the normal 15,000 AA miles.
That saved you 5000 miles each way.
You can expect to save on average 5000-10,000 miles each way. with Web Specials though people have done better than that
American Airlines Web Special Restrictions Waived During The Pandemic
Under normal circumstances, AA Web Specials have restrictions.
You can not make any changes to the origin, destination, or airline.
Without the pandemic, you could reinstate your points but you would usually have to pay a $150 fee.
Since American Airlines has removed cancellation fees, you can get your points reinstated for free.
You can read about it here.
How To Find American Airlines Web Specials
Search for your award flight like you would any other.
Make sure to check the redeem miles box.
Make sure not to use the advanced feature.
If your dates are flexible, you can use the calendar feature.
On a test search, I found a flight from, JFK to LAX for 7,000 each way.
This is not a busy time to fly during the pandemic.
These are harder to find during popular times like Spring Break though.
How To Earn American Airlines Miles?
There are lots of ways to earn American Airlines miles.
Since you will want to build up your American Airlines balance, here are some easy ways to earn lots of miles:
- American Airlines co-branded credit cards
- Transfer from Marriott Bonvoy
- Fly with American Airlines and it’s partners
- Use the American Airlines shopping portal
- Miles For Opinions
- Book a hotel directly
- Rent a car
- RocketMiles or PointsHound
Why Reduced Awards Should be Part Of Your Point’s Strategy After The Pandemic
Points and miles are like money.
You never want to spend more when you don’t have too.
Before the pandemic, airlines like Delta offered award sales to the Caribbean and other places often.
Those are similar to American Airlines Web Specials.
Anytime you can use less miles, you should.
For instance, one year I went to Toronto and Montreal on a reduced award flight on Delta.
It was a multi-city trip.
I flew into Toronto.
Then, I flew from Toronto to Montreal.
Then, I flew from Montreal home.
Flying to multiple cities is a great way to see more places both in the United Staes and abroad.
You get to have more AvGeek fun because you get to learn more airports and experience different types of planes.
My flights to Toronto and home from Montreal were 7500 points instead of the normal 12,500 to 15,000 Delta SkyMiles.
My preferred way of flight currency is using only points and miles.
I am able to do that easily by taking advantage of low priced award deals like American Airlines Web Specials.
This should definitely be a part of your point’s strategy.
It works for international travel too, especially when you can travel during the off season.
Summary
Points and miles are like money.
You never want to spend more than you have to.
Getting flight award at a low price should always be part of your point’s strategy.
I prefer to use only points and miles for flights again.
I have not flown since the pandemic started yet.
Of course, a lot of people have flown during the pandemic.
I know I am being overly cautious.
So, maybe no one is interested in going to California for 7,000 miles each way now with a 10 day quarantine.
American Airlines Web Specials are still something to watch out for though.
Have you ever used an American Airlines Web Special or got a discounted flight award?
