Originally Posted by
josephstern
Probably not what you're looking for, but if your end goal is AA domestic flights, you might consider just accumulating BA miles. Those you can get from Chase UR and Amex MR (in addition to SPG).
OT on BA's Avios
It is great for any intra-Continent one-segment flights.
Just booked TXL-STR for 4500 avios and $48.90 taxes flying AB, (train would be over 100 euro ditto flights before add-on).
Another LED-DME for 4500 avios and $7.50 taxes flying S7. (train would be over $200 and flight at $90 before add-on).
Finnair's flight from HEL to Baltic countries / Russia also are great value except you would need to call to book - BA website could not handle AY2000 and AY3000 flight number series. They know it is a technical glitch therefore they waive the telephone booking fee. Those are readily bookable on AA or QF website but AA wants 10K miles versus Avios often 4500.
About to book BKK-HKG for 7500 avios and $48xx taxes and YQ flying CX.
Flights on the cheapo Air Asia would be $125 before add-on.
Flights on TG or CX are over $200.
Intra-South America are reportedly very cheap because the pay tickets would charge foreigners an arm and a leg but award tickets dont.
Intra-Australia on QF also is a great use of Avios.