Oct 23, 2015, 3:05 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
AAnytime Awards (restricted to AA marketed and operated flights)
NOTE: There will likely be further changes. See Dynamic Award Pricing to be Expanded - AA announces 30 May 2019 link
Link to American Airlines award chart
Link to one world and other airline partner award chart
Link to HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance, discussion thread.
See this post (post #122) for more on the Level 3 increases introduced August 2016.
Link to The Points Guy article on the hidden Level 3.
If a seat is available for sale on an American Airlines marketed and operated flight, you can acquire it as an AAnytime award seat. AAnytime awards require more miles than the restricted MileSAver awards (for AA and required for partners); there are three tiers for the miles required for AAnytime awards seats; it can "cost" even more miles during high demand periods or on certain aspirational flights.
What you need to know
Awards cost $150 to redeposit ($25 for multiple / other travelers' awards taken from the same account); the fee is waived for awards taken from and returned to the account of an Executive Platinum member, when one wishes to pay more miles for a higher class of service or when significant flight or schedule disruption occurs).
Fees for redepositing a MileSAAver award are generally waived if they are "upgraded" to an AAnytime award. “Downgrading” from AAnytime to !ileSAAver requires redeposited and a new award ticket issue.
AAnytime awards do not earn miles, but are more flexible than MileSAAver awards, allowing easier changes and more perquisites (baggage, Same Day Flight Change, Main Cabin Extra and premium seat selection, two courtesy bags to 23 kg / 50 lbs, etc.)
NOTE: There will likely be further changes. See Dynamic Award Pricing to be Expanded - AA announces 30 May 2019 link
Link to American Airlines award chart
Link to one world and other airline partner award chart
Link to HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance, discussion thread.
AAnytime awards
With no blackout dates, you can use AAnytime awards for any seat on an American Airlines or American Eagle® flight for as low as 20,000 miles each way, plus any applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees.
AAnytime award levels vary by date (including time of day) and region. There are select dates that require a higher number of miles (in addition to Level 1 and 2 awards, there is a hidden level 3 based on aspirational value and premium product and even some hidden level 4 award space released on Flagship transcontinental flights). When you search for awards while booking, you’ll see the applicable available award level.
With no blackout dates, you can use AAnytime awards for any seat on an American Airlines or American Eagle® flight for as low as 20,000 miles each way, plus any applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees.
AAnytime award levels vary by date (including time of day) and region. There are select dates that require a higher number of miles (in addition to Level 1 and 2 awards, there is a hidden level 3 based on aspirational value and premium product and even some hidden level 4 award space released on Flagship transcontinental flights). When you search for awards while booking, you’ll see the applicable available award level.
Link to The Points Guy article on the hidden Level 3.
If a seat is available for sale on an American Airlines marketed and operated flight, you can acquire it as an AAnytime award seat. AAnytime awards require more miles than the restricted MileSAver awards (for AA and required for partners); there are three tiers for the miles required for AAnytime awards seats; it can "cost" even more miles during high demand periods or on certain aspirational flights.
What you need to know
- AAnytime awards are only offered on AA marketed and operated flights
- Miles shown are for one-way travel
- Book a one-way trip or combine awards for round-trip or multi-city travel
- AAnytime awards mean as long as there is a seat available for sale, an AAnytime award can take it (but miles cost can be very high)
- Each award is subject to taxes and carrier-imposed fees starting from $5.60 per person, per award. These taxes and fees vary by itinerary and are based on trip origin and destination. The exact amount of taxes and carrier-imposed fees that will apply will appear when searching for a particular itinerary.
- For flights offering only two classes of service, the Economy and Business / First Class awards apply. For flights offering three classes of service Economy, Business / First and First Class awards apply.
- NOTE: AAnytime miles "cost" can vary in accord with flight demand, even on the same day
- For flights offering only two classes of service, the Economy and Business / First Class awards apply. For flights offering three classes of service Economy, Business / First and First Class awards apply.
- Each award is subject to taxes and carrier-imposed fees starting from $5.60 per person, per award. These taxes and fees vary by itinerary and are based on trip origin and destination. The exact amount of taxes and carrier-imposed fees that will apply will appear when searching for a particular itinerary.
- AAnytime awards mean as long as there is a seat available for sale, an AAnytime award can take it (but miles cost can be very high)
- Book a one-way trip or combine awards for round-trip or multi-city travel
- Miles shown are for one-way travel
Awards cost $150 to redeposit ($25 for multiple / other travelers' awards taken from the same account); the fee is waived for awards taken from and returned to the account of an Executive Platinum member, when one wishes to pay more miles for a higher class of service or when significant flight or schedule disruption occurs).
Fees for redepositing a MileSAAver award are generally waived if they are "upgraded" to an AAnytime award. “Downgrading” from AAnytime to !ileSAAver requires redeposited and a new award ticket issue.
AAnytime awards do not earn miles, but are more flexible than MileSAAver awards, allowing easier changes and more perquisites (baggage, Same Day Flight Change, Main Cabin Extra and premium seat selection, two courtesy bags to 23 kg / 50 lbs, etc.)
AA Anytime / AAnytime award / awards [master thread]
Jan 27, 2015, 6:18 pm
#76
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: LAX/ORD/HNL
Programs: AA EXP, 4.6 MM, LT Pt, HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
In order to be on the inaugural flight (118) of the A321T from LAX to JFK on Jan. 7, 2014, I booked first class using an anytime award. There was a bonus associated with this new service that I registered for prior to booking the actual award. My anytime award booked as code F and I did, in fact, receive the 15,000 bonus miles.
I also used an anytime first class award (booking code F) to be on the inaugural DFW to HKG flight last June 11. Unfortunately, there was no bonus for this new route at that time and I received no bonus miles. However, I did receive CK service (totally unexpected but thoroughly appreciated) when I departed HKG on flight 138 the following Monday. I'll take that over miles any day.
I intend to use however many miles are needed to be on the inaugural international flight of the 787 in business class. Hopefully, there will be some mileage bonus associated with this flight.
I also used an anytime first class award (booking code F) to be on the inaugural DFW to HKG flight last June 11. Unfortunately, there was no bonus for this new route at that time and I received no bonus miles. However, I did receive CK service (totally unexpected but thoroughly appreciated) when I departed HKG on flight 138 the following Monday. I'll take that over miles any day.
I intend to use however many miles are needed to be on the inaugural international flight of the 787 in business class. Hopefully, there will be some mileage bonus associated with this flight.
Jan 27, 2015, 10:06 pm
#78
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,890
And the awards included 7 night hotel stay and rental cars as well. It real l y was the total vacation package. Oh what competition and new products trying to draw customers does..
Jan 28, 2015, 12:04 am
#79
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA EXP 3MM; LH FT (*A Silver); Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite; Starwood Corporate Preferred
Posts: 782
AA systems are very good now. I have not gotten mileage credit on award tickets (AA, OW and a mix) now in over 5 years. Don't count on miles. Even when I'm rerouted due to delays/mechanicals they see it's an award ticket.
Upgrades are also a no-go. That being said you may get lucky in an oversold situation but the upgrade request function is greyed out online and during checkin.
Upgrades are also a no-go. That being said you may get lucky in an oversold situation but the upgrade request function is greyed out online and during checkin.
Jan 28, 2015, 9:45 am
#82
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
In order to be on the inaugural flight (118) of the A321T from LAX to JFK on Jan. 7, 2014, I booked first class using an anytime award. There was a bonus associated with this new service that I registered for prior to booking the actual award. My anytime award booked as code F and I did, in fact, receive the 15,000 bonus miles.
I also used an anytime first class award (booking code F) to be on the inaugural DFW to HKG flight last June 11. Unfortunately, there was no bonus for this new route at that time and I received no bonus miles. However, I did receive CK service (totally unexpected but thoroughly appreciated) when I departed HKG on flight 138 the following Monday. I'll take that over miles any day.
I intend to use however many miles are needed to be on the inaugural international flight of the 787 in business class. Hopefully, there will be some mileage bonus associated with this flight.
I also used an anytime first class award (booking code F) to be on the inaugural DFW to HKG flight last June 11. Unfortunately, there was no bonus for this new route at that time and I received no bonus miles. However, I did receive CK service (totally unexpected but thoroughly appreciated) when I departed HKG on flight 138 the following Monday. I'll take that over miles any day.
I intend to use however many miles are needed to be on the inaugural international flight of the 787 in business class. Hopefully, there will be some mileage bonus associated with this flight.
Mar 19, 2015, 11:40 pm
#83
formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
Combine J and F AAnytime awards between 2 and 3 class planes?
Trying to go JFK-LAX-LAS using a 45k AAnytime award in business. But the fact that it books into F rather than J for the LAX - LAS leg seems to make the system fail to price and an agent rebuffed me.
The system will only let me take the itin if it is in F from JFK-LAX - at 85k miles of course.
I would assume the system can recognize it's business on a three cabin plane and first on a two cabin and they should price as one J ticket.
Am I right an agent can get this manually priced if I am persistent?
The system will only let me take the itin if it is in F from JFK-LAX - at 85k miles of course.
I would assume the system can recognize it's business on a three cabin plane and first on a two cabin and they should price as one J ticket.
Am I right an agent can get this manually priced if I am persistent?
Mar 20, 2015, 12:30 am
#84
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ORD
Posts: 986
Trying to go JFK-LAX-LAS using a 45k AAnytime award in business. But the fact that it books into F rather than J for the LAX - LAS leg seems to make the system fail to price and an agent rebuffed me.
The system will only let me take the itin if it is in F from JFK-LAX - at 85k miles of course.
I would assume the system can recognize it's business on a three cabin plane and first on a two cabin and they should price as one J ticket.
Am I right an agent can get this manually priced if I am persistent?
The system will only let me take the itin if it is in F from JFK-LAX - at 85k miles of course.
I would assume the system can recognize it's business on a three cabin plane and first on a two cabin and they should price as one J ticket.
Am I right an agent can get this manually priced if I am persistent?
Aug 29, 2015, 8:25 pm
#86
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: fort worth, texas
Posts: 946
do daily AAnytime award levels go up after being "set"?
Just curious if whatever rate AA sets the AAnytime level at ever goes up (or even down) once they're released.
Obviously the MileSAAver availability can be volatile and flights available for this redemption level can change over time.
But if say the AAnytime level I'm seeing to today is 20k, is there any risk in it going above that rate? If not, then obviously there is no advantage in booking these early (assuming both the flight and Main Cabin Extra still appear plenty, and not within X day fee windows for booking close to flight date) when you could gamble some seats may get moved over to a MileSAAver rate, correct?
Obviously the MileSAAver availability can be volatile and flights available for this redemption level can change over time.
But if say the AAnytime level I'm seeing to today is 20k, is there any risk in it going above that rate? If not, then obviously there is no advantage in booking these early (assuming both the flight and Main Cabin Extra still appear plenty, and not within X day fee windows for booking close to flight date) when you could gamble some seats may get moved over to a MileSAAver rate, correct?
Aug 29, 2015, 9:12 pm
#87
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: AAdvantage (Platinum)
Posts: 470
For a period of ~10 months I think I've seen ZRH-JFK-SFO go both up and down on a particular day I booked. Possible unique factors is 1) AA changing the frequency of flights between JFK and SFO, and 2) the calendar view is sometimes different than when looking at the actual day (often an off-by-1 issue) and I didn't always look at the actual day.
Aug 29, 2015, 9:54 pm
#88
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
Just curious if whatever rate AA sets the AAnytime level at ever goes up (or even down) once they're released.
Obviously the MileSAAver availability can be volatile and flights available for this redemption level can change over time.
But if say the AAnytime level I'm seeing to today is 20k, is there any risk in it going above that rate? If not, then obviously there is no advantage in booking these early (assuming both the flight and Main Cabin Extra still appear plenty, and not within X day fee windows for booking close to flight date) when you could gamble some seats may get moved over to a MileSAAver rate, correct?
Obviously the MileSAAver availability can be volatile and flights available for this redemption level can change over time.
But if say the AAnytime level I'm seeing to today is 20k, is there any risk in it going above that rate? If not, then obviously there is no advantage in booking these early (assuming both the flight and Main Cabin Extra still appear plenty, and not within X day fee windows for booking close to flight date) when you could gamble some seats may get moved over to a MileSAAver rate, correct?
I wonder if Revenue Management looks at a flight and if there are AAnytimes booked before they might open an milesaver. I avoid booking anytimes for that reason.
For a period of ~10 months I think I've seen ZRH-JFK-SFO go both up and down on a particular day I booked. Possible unique factors is 1) AA changing the frequency of flights between JFK and SFO, and 2) the calendar view is sometimes different than when looking at the actual day (often an off-by-1 issue) and I didn't always look at the actual day.
Aug 29, 2015, 10:47 pm
#89
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
There are 2 tiers of AAnytime awards. It's either going to be the lower or the higher tier, and all these mileage costs are published by AA.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/r...ward-chart.jsp
https://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/r...ward-chart.jsp
Aug 29, 2015, 11:13 pm
#90
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730