Originally Posted by
NYC Flyer
While I share the disappointment over recent AA changes, they still seem to have retained lower-cost economy and first levels (if you want to connect) redemptions for close-in bookings, which I the reason I decided to rebuild my AAdvantage balance after 5-7 years of ignoring it (have LT Gold, so pretty much considered AA a backup). Dynamic pricing seems to have really decimated the ability to use Alaska (and other partners) currency on AA at decent rates/availability. For instance, AA has EWR-PHX next week for 23K miles in first on a flight I"m considering, but Alaska is charging 45K and BA is charging 38K for the same flight. Previously AA would have made saver space available and AS would have it for 25K.
So...perhaps a counter point is that BILT is actually more valuable now, as it provides a flexible currency that can be applied to AA's lowest award cost in many instances when partners available through other transferable currencies are subject to significantly higher pricing.
Perhaps time to revisit assumptions re cash value of WoH points (could reverse your "net loss"...)?
Assume thats sarcasm ok well that comes with some of the territory here I suppose.
Its really quite simple WOH points are generally thought to be worth 1.7 to 1.8 per point
so I suggest to all just do the simple math.Decide for yourself
When a room is 20,000 in redemption points and the cash rate is 153.00 dollars there is a real problem IMO in any given program.
On the other hand while AA is extortionate lately on Domestic awards there is no question there is still value in the program
That said If one uses international partners to some degree AA can work brilliantly.
And AA to their credit also has WebSaver awards on occasion
which can be spectacular if ones timing is right .They do come with restrictions but at least can be canceled.