zznoname

Setting aside, "Depends on the person." The current low price for purchasing AAMiles on AA.com is about 1.7 cents. And buying 95,000 is 2.4 cents.

So, 95k AAward Miles would cost between US$ 1,615 to 2,280.

Assuming you're using AA.com purchased AAMiles...

AAward ticket flying three segments on JAL economy, ORD-CGK, CGK-NRT, NRT-ORD is 95,000 AAMiles. You might find the same itinerary priced around US$ 1,000. +, with some segments on AA.

I'm mentioning the carrier because often JAL flights price out higher than AA.

So, let's just say, it's easy to figure, buying the above ticket with cash is a better deal than purchasing AAMiles, eventhough some legs are on AA, and there might an additional connection. Nothing new here really.

NOTE, that was not always the case when using purchased AAward Miles for business class.

But, what if you already have the 95k AAMiles in your AAccount?

95k @ 1,000 dollars = 1 cent an AAMile.

Seems like my 95k AAMiles are worth more than 1 cent an AAMile.

In any case, I can't get my head around the math. Would anyone simplify this for me? Pay cash, or use the AAMiles.

Of course, you have to consider what other options 95,000 AAMiles could "buy". And with the new Business AAWard Chart, I'd say, not much.

Thanks.