Book your American Airlines awards flights while you still can

The airline carrier recently announced plans to switch to dynamic mileage pricing in the future, but it looks like it’s happening soon.
American Airlines dynamic mileage pricing


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

If there’s one thing I wish I could change about my 20s, it might be my money moves. Well, that and my choice in friends, fashion, and men. I took a lot of long-haul flights in that decade of my life but was too busy catching feelings to collect travel rewards. I’m making up for it now. 

Just as I’ve come around to enjoying the rising numbers on my points profile across different rewards programs, companies are coming for my late-to-the-game lifestyle with dynamic pricing. American Airlines is one of them. According to a just-leaked internal memo, “American Airlines static mileage awards, more commonly referred to as MileSAAver and AAnytime awards, will be sunset in multiple phases over the next several weeks. Moving forward all mileage awards will be Web Special Awards, which offer a more dynamic pricing model.”

The major airline carrier recently announced it would be switching to dynamic mileage pricing in the future, but it looks like it’s happening really soon. Though the exact date is TBD, the news means you should probably start burning through your points, pronto. 

If you’re unfamiliar, dynamic mileage pricing means an airline can determine the rates for awards flights dependent on factors like how full the flight is, how in-demand the region you’re traveling to is, and the time of year. In short, your points are essentially devalued so airlines can generate more revenue. 

The bummer move from American means the carrier will eliminate the concept of MileSAAver and AAnytime award levels. So, if you’ve been joyously watching your miles rise, now’s the time to set them free as you plan an epic trip—booking any AAnytime or MileSAAver awards you need before they’re retired.

The good news is that the dynamic pricing will only apply to American Airlines flights, so you can still use partner airlines in the traditional manner that we all know and love. 

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!