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.
by travelers, for travelers.
