Flight Credit Advice
 

I have a flight credit if just over $1,000 that will expire in a few months. I’m looking for some advice on how to get the best value out of it in terms of miles earned.

Do I book a first class or coach ticket somewhere? Do I pick the furthest destination possible? Any other suggestions? It appears I can only use the credit for myself which is a bummer as otherwise it would be a lot easier to plan something.

I am based in New York City (JFK/LGA) and am willing to fly up and back to anywhere domestic and international just to use this up.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions as I am confused by all the new mileage earning rules.

For AA flights booked at aa.com, you earn miles and Loyalty Points based on the $$ fare, not class or distance, without status that is 5 miles/LP per dollar.

So, if you buy a $1000 ticket you're going to earn the same amount of miles regardless of whether you book first class or economy, or whether you fly to Chicago or Tokyo. That will be roughly 5,000 miles, $1000 x 5/$.

Now if you want to get very technical you may be able to earn slightly more miles by booking a partner flight in conjunction with an AA flight (partner flights earn based on distance if booked as the partner flight number) however this is going to involve calling AA to book, and a lot more research on your part to understand the AA program and how to calculate your earnings etc.

Honestly I would forget about how many miles you may earn and just focus on using the credit to somewhere you actually want to go during a time that fits your schedule.

If you don't have an immediate need to travel, you can book a cheap flight from anywhere to anywhere (you won't actually fly the flight) and purchase with the flight credit. The residual value will be issued as a trip credit with a 1 year expiration date from time of ticket purchase, and the trip credit can be used by anyone.

I did this a few months ago, bought a cheap $54 one way flight PHX-LAS with a flight credit of $880, and the residual value was issued as a trip credit. I now have 1 year to use the new trip credit.