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We’re not sure how long this has been the case, but awards for travel on American Airlines are now bookable on the Cathay Pacific website. That’s a nice development because you can sometimes score a better deal with Cathay Pacific Asia Miles than via American Airlines themselves.
The Deal
- American Airlines flights are now available via Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. You should now see American Airlines flights in search results at cahtaypacific.com when available.
Quick Thoughts
The Cathay Pacific Asia Miles website only displays some partners. Historically, you had to call to book flights on American Airlines (and I believe that their mileage calculator tool still suggests that you’ll need to call). However, the website now shows American Airlines flights and it appears that they are bookable online.
Also good news: I found some American Airlines flights via popular search tools like PointsYeah / AwardTool / Point.me.
There are times when Asia Miles won’t be your best option for an American Airlines flight, but it’s great to see these awards become easier to book than in the past. Additionally, you’ll sometimes pay fewer Asia Miles for American Airlines flights.
As an example, the flights shown above through Asia Miles from Miami to Lima (on American Airlines) cost 15K in economy class or 33K in business class for the same flights that would otherwise cost 35K through Alaska or 37.5K through American Airlines.
Overall, it’s great to see another easy online booking option for award tickets — particularly in light of the fact that we may be able to make use of this sweet spot in the very near future.
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This was perfect timing as I was able to book PHL-LAX business class for 33K. Much lower than BA, Qatar, or Qantas.
Not-so-fun fact: CX prices AS domestic first class as an F award ticket but AA domestic first as a J award ticket. I found AS and AA F availability ORD-SEA and the AA flight prices out at ~39k CX pp whereas the AS flight was an eye-watering 53k CX pp.
This is useful. Thank you. It does seem like AA saver space is pricing reasonably (62k +34 USD) for European nonstop flights. Off hand, I think that’s going to match Qatar. Given that the theoretical award chart is a little broader than Avios programs, longer flights might price a little better.
Anybody else find this a bit ironic given the apparent disappearance of Cathay availability from the AA schedule post-COVID? LOL
I’m sure I’m not the only one that read the headline as “Cathay flights bookable with AAdvantage”
I feel like cathay miles are hard to accrue as opposed to AA. Doesn’t Cathay charge high fees? Wouldn’t that negate any miles savings?
Qatar avois is still best. They charge 9k for ORD-DFW. Their taxes are $4.5 extra than standard $5.6 everywhere else
I couldn’t get Qatar to work for some reason. I’ll have to try again. Similarly I tried searching Cathay today and couldn’t get the calendar to provide flexible times. Probably a case of user error/bad luck
IME their app works much better. Make sure you have linked your BA avios. Also I hope you used the 30% citibank transfer bonus which ended on May 31st. I also had website error but their call center was really helpful in booking my reservation. Make sure you have your pp ready and they have a way for you to pay your taxes by going to manage booking on qatar. I was able to have them add my AA number also so your status lets you pick seats automatically.
Transcon?