AAdvantage - the earn/burn game

[futaris]

Ok, here's a game for the AAdvantage experts here...

Is it possible to earn more miles on a "paid" miles-earning flight, than it would cost to redeem for the equivalent AAdvantage award?

The simple example is a Plat or EXP flying PER-BNE-AKL. On a H, K, Y or B QANTAS fare, they'd earn 7,348 miles. To redeem for a within Australia/NZ reward, it'd cost 10,000 miles and taxes.

A more complex example is a Plat or EXP flying HNL-SAN-LAX-JFK-HND. They'd earn 24,722 miles. To redeem for a North America - Japan MileSAAver Off-peak reward, it'd cost 25,000 miles and taxes.

 

[futaris]

HNL-DFW-NYC-EZE. 20,918 miles earnt. Redemption as North America - Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile or Uruguay MileSAAver Off-peak reward, it'd cost 20,000 miles and taxes.

 

[NM]

A more complex example is a Plat or EXP flying HNL-SAN-LAX-JFK-HND. They'd earn 24,722 miles. To redeem for a North America - Japan MileSAAver Off-peak reward, it'd cost 25,000 miles and taxes.

Somehow I think that may not be a valid routing for a North America to Asia 1 award, nor for a paid HNL-HND flight (exceed MPM).

 

[futaris]

Somehow I think that may not be a valid routing for a North America to Asia 1 award, nor for a paid HNL-HND flight (exceed MPM).

Book it online as a HNL-JFK JFK-HND Multicity award. Trip cost 25,000 miles + $7.50. Seat selection available, and able to book / hold.

How to Book Free Stopovers Online: American Airlines | milevalue.com How to Book Free Stopovers Online: American Airlines | Rationally Exploiting Frequent Flier Programs

Not sure that MPM is an issue.

As a paid seat, you'd book it as two oneways, or a multi-city. Probably horribly expensive, too.