“Redeeming American Airlines Miles” Series Index

Part 1 — 5 Ways to Stretch American Airlines Miles on Economy Redemptions
Part 2 — 6 Ultra-Luxurious First Classes to Book with American Airlines Miles (this post)
Part 3 — Where to Search Award Space for All Partners
Part 4 — Award Rules and How Many Miles You Need
Part 5 — Taxes, Fees, and Fuel Surcharges
Part 6 — Redeeming for Domestic Awards
Part 7 — Redeeming for Hawaii
Part 8 — Redeeming for East and Southeast Asia
Part 9 — Redeeming for Middle East and Indian Subcontinent
Part 10 — Redeeming

There are lots of obvious reasons why miles are better than cash, like the ability they give us to book mini palaces on planes that look like this...

...or the loose routing/stopover/open jaw rules of some programs that allow us to see more places on one trip.

But what about the smaller perks we often overlook? Like free or nearly free change and cancellation fees?

Prior to this weekend, American Airlines classified the premium cabin on all domestic flights (domestic First Class) as First Class, whether or not the plane had two cabins or three. It was distinguished with fare code F, A, or P.

British Airways collects fuel surcharges on almost all award redemptions. People constantly complain to me that their recent "free ticket" cost $650 or $1,000 or more in "taxes."

In fact, taxes make up a small share of the cash component of most British Airways awards.

Update 6/30/2016: Alaska Airlines is changing the way you accrue redeemable Alaska miles when flying partner American Airlines for travel beginning August 1, 2016 to a

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard® 60,000 mile offer has expired. Check out the current best credit card offers here.

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Let’s talk about how to use American Airlines miles for awards to Europe. This is not the best use of American Airlines miles because award space isn't great, and American collects fuel surcharges on two partners to Europe.

According to Airline Route, British Airways has begun operating its 787-9 Dreamliner on three routes from London-Heathrow:

Delhi
Abu Dhabi/Muscat
Kuala Lumpur

In 2016, it adds a ton of 787-9 destinations including several in the United States:

Austin from February 1
Newark from April 2
Philadelphia from April 9
San Jose from May 4
Houston from August 1
Boston from October 1

The British Airways 787-9 Dreamliner is exciting both because it is a brand new plane and because British Airways features First Class on the plane, which the British Airways 787-8 doesn't have.

These flights have fuel surcharges, but

British Airways is launching a new route from San Jose to London on May 4, 2016.

The new route will be flown by a 787-9 Dreamliner with flat beds in Business and First Classes.

Ireland's government announced its approval for IAG--the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, and Vueling--to purchase Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland. The Irish government owns a 25% stake in Aer Lingus.

Other shareholders, including Ryanair which owns a 30% stake in Aer Lingus, have not weighed in, but if the deal goes through it will have a big effect on your miles.

Right now Aer Lingus is not a member of any airline alliance.