American Airlines Launches New Discount Program
Jennifer Billock November 01, 2018
American Airlines travelers now have a new way to save on flights with discounts available through the just-launched Economy Web Specials discount program; the discounts are only available for members of the AAdvantage frequent flyer program and only cover six routes for now with more hopefully on the way.
If you’re a frequent user of American Airlines miles, you’re in for a treat. The airline just launched a new program called Economy Web Specials that allows loyalty program members to purchase shorter one-way flights for as little as 5,000 miles – which is 2,500 less miles than the typical amount.
Flights running under the new reward system begin January 8. Currently the program only covers six routes, according to Million Mile Secrets:
- Dallas (DFW) — Wichita (ICT)
- Dallas (DFW) — Corpus Christi (CRP)
- Dallas (DFW) — Brownsville South Padre Island (BRO)
- Dallas (DFW) — McAllen (MFE)
- Phoenix (PHX) — Long Beach (LGB)
- Charlotte (CLT) — Orlando-Melbourne (MLB)
More routes will hopefully become available in the future. In the meantime, though, the discount flights have a great perk. They may be cheap, but they aren’t basic economy cheap. Travelers using these fares will have the same benefits as regular economy, meaning they can choose their seat and board with the bulk of the passengers.
Only one catch, though. You can’t change any flights booked with this special deal, but you can cancel and have the miles returned to you, for the standard fee: $150 for the first passenger and $25 each for the rest.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
What does that have to do with AA flights in Texas?
A tiny fraction of drunks misbehave on a couple of flights, but thanks to the internet and anti-social media, the whole world hears about it and believes this is happening on all flights. Increased government regulation is not the answer, but I have no doubt the Brits will find a way to bring more taxes into the picture. For those who do cause trouble on flights, a better response would be severe penalties and life-time bans from all flights.