The American Airlines AAdvantage program remains one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs. It can offer great award redemptions on American Airlines flights and its impressive list of Oneworld alliance partners.
You can earn AAdvantage miles from cobranded American credit cards issued by Citi and Barclays.
While AAdvantage miles were previously difficult to earn from credit cards that earn transferable rewards, that has changed. You can now transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to your AAdvantage miles account at a 1:1 rate.
With the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) offering 80,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening, now is a great time to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles.
In honor of the new transfer partner option, here are eight of the best ways to use 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.
Book a first-class flight to Tokyo
Redeeming American Airlines AAdvantage miles for first class on Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350 is one of the most aspirational and high-value ways to use your miles. This new flagship product features enclosed suites with privacy doors and 24-inch 4K screens, gourmet Japanese cuisine and impeccable service that the carrier is known for.
At just 80,000 AAdvantage miles one-way between a handful of U.S. cities and Tokyo, this redemption offers exceptional value.
While TPG values AAdvantage miles at 1.55 cents apiece in our July 2025 valuations, compared with the cash fares, this redemption should give you at least 10 cents per mile in value.
For travelers looking to maximize comfort, privacy and luxury, Japan Airlines’ first class sets the gold standard, and AAdvantage miles can make it affordable.
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
Related: Huge suites and phenomenal amenities: A review of Japan Airlines’ new A350 first class
Book a business-class flight to Australia
Redeeming 80,000 AAdvantage miles for Qantas business class to Australia is a great redemption option. This one-way award lets you fly in lie-flat comfort, complete with premium dining, amenity kits and access to Qantas lounges on the following routes:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sydney Airport (SYD)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to SYD, Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Australia
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Auckland Airport (AKL) in New Zealand
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to SYD and MEL
AAdvantage doesn’t pass on fuel surcharges for Qantas-operated flights, so you’ll pay minimal taxes and fees.
While award availability can be tight, booking far in advance or during off-peak periods improves your chances, and you can also consider routes operated by American Airlines to Australia, which are priced dynamically but start from the same 80,000-mile price in business class.
This redemption unlocks nearly 15 hours of luxury in the sky and is ideal for a bucket-list trip Down Under.
Related: A perfect hop across the Pacific: Qantas 787 business class
Fly business class to the Maldives or India
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite business-class product is widely considered one of the best in the sky. Unique quad suites for the whole family, dine-on-demand gourmet meals and whichever predeparture beverage you like all await passengers on this truly luxurious travel experience.
Thanks to the generous AAdvantage partner award chart, you can fly from North America to Qatar Airways’ hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha for just 70,000 miles. Or, continue on to the Maldives or India for the same price.
Fly first class to London
Flying first class to London is one of the most luxurious ways to cross the Atlantic, especially in American Airlines’ Flagship First or British Airways First.
American operates its Boeing 777-300ERs with a dedicated first-class cabin on select routes to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR). You’ll get a lie-flat seat, Flagship First dining access at select airports and a private, spacious experience — all from just 85,000 miles one-way with minimal taxes. As AAdvantage prices flights operated by American Airlines dynamically, these flights can cost more miles on peak dates.
British Airways offers a more polished soft product, with refined service, bedding by The White Company and access to the exclusive Concorde Room at LHR. While fuel surcharges are steep, award availability is generally much better than American’s, as British Airways operates first class on numerous routes from the U.S., with flights operated by British Airways fixed at 85,000 miles for first class.
While 85,000 miles is 5,000 AAdvantage miles higher than the 80,000-point welcome bonus offered by the Citi Strata Elite Card, remember that you’ll earn at least 6,000 additional ThankYou Rewards points by spending the $4,000 required to earn the welcome bonus, as the card earns at least 1.5 Citi points per dollar spent on everyday purchases, which you could also transfer to become AAdvantage miles.
If you have the miles to spend, this redemption provides an indulgent way to arrive in London in style, with top-tier comfort both on the ground and in the air.
Book up to 16 domestic American Airlines flights
Short-haul economy flights start at just 5,000 miles one-way. This can cover routes like DFW to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), or Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
While not the flashiest use of miles, this option is useful for saving cash on shorter flights, and one card’s welcome bonus could mean the ability to take extended family or friends on a round-trip journey.
Book 5 round-trip flights to Mexico
You can book flights to the following Mexican airports from various U.S. airports starting at just 8,000 AAdvantage miles per person each way:
- Cancun International Airport (CUN)
- Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
- Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)
This means you could redeem 80,000 AAdvantage miles for five round-trip economy flights to Mexico, which is an excellent way to maximize value, especially for families.
The welcome offer from the Citi Strata Elite Card could cover five round-trip tickets, which is perfect for a group getaway without stretching your budget.
Rather than splurging on one premium seat, you can bring the entire family on a sunny escape.
Related: 5 detour destinations in Mexico beyond the tourist hot spots
Book round-trip premium economy seats to Europe
Premium economy flights from the U.S. to Europe operated by American Airlines start at just 39,000 miles each way (or 78,000 miles round-trip) or 40,000 miles each way when flying on partner airlines like British Airways or Iberia (so 80,000 miles round-trip).
British Airways and Iberia offer a noticeably better experience in premium economy compared to regular economy. You’ll get wider seats with more legroom, extra recline and larger personal entertainment screens.
The experience also includes upgraded meals, priority boarding and increased baggage allowance. On longer flights, the added space and quieter cabin make a real difference in comfort. While not quite business class, premium economy offers a smart compromise for travelers seeking better value and rest.
With cash fares routinely over $1,200 round-trip, this is a great way to save money on your next trip to Europe.
Related: Is Iberia premium economy worth it on the Airbus A330 from Madrid to Dallas?
Book 2 round-trip flights to Hawaii
The American Airlines AAdvantage program partners with both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, offering a great range of redemption options to Hawaii.
Among the cheapest options are to fly nonstop from the West Coast to Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA) on the Big Island or Lihue Airport (LIH) on the island of Kauai.
You can find flights on American Airlines from as low as 20,000 AAdvantage miles each way (priced dynamically), meaning you could book two people round-trip for 80,000 miles in total. There are also options for traveling on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines from 22,500 miles each (one-way), with both carriers operating substantial route networks between the mainland and Hawaii.
Related: Save money: How you can book flights to Hawaii using points and miles
Bottom line
For a limited time only, the Citi Strata Elite Card is offering 80,000 ThankYou Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. This flexible rewards currency can give you access to over 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, including American Airlines.
American miles are super valuable because the program partners with only one transferable credit card issuer. As Citi’s newest transfer partner, cardholders will have access to booking premium award cabins on world-class airlines and American Airlines’ comprehensive domestic and international route network.
Plus, thanks to a strong Oneworld alliance network, AAdvantage continues to be one of the best frequent flyer programs for savvy redemptions. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious lie-flat seat across the Pacific or multiple domestic getaways, 80,000 American miles can go a long way when used strategically.
Related reading:
