Over the weekend I shared that it became possible to book Etihad business class awards far in advance using American AAdvantage miles at least on the Atlanta to Abu Dhabi route with connections beyond to wherever you wished to travel.

Some readers booked 70,000 mile business class awards to India and the Maldives, while others spent 75,000 miles for business class to Africa. And flights to and from Atlanta were included, too.

Etihad had been restricting American AAdvantage from booking business and first class long haul awards until 14 days from departure. But something seems to be afoot, because it’s not just the new Atlanta – Abu Dhabi flight that is now open to AAdvantage members.

First class awards are wide open on some routes like Paris to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Singapore. You can even book Etihad First Apartment awards on the Airbus A380, complete with your own room that offers a seat and separate bed, and an onboard shower.

Have a look at availability for Paris – Abu Dhabi in March. You will find first class awards bookable via American AAdvantage every single day.

And it isn’t even just one flight per day, either.

The Airbus A380

Etihad’s first class lounge in Abu Dhabi is fantastic as well with really nice sit down dining, and escort through the business class lounge to in-lounge boarding for several flights.

I would say jump on this. Value with AAdvantage for Europe to Middle East (including connections beyond to India, the Maldives and surrounding areas) is incredible at just 62,500 miles each way. Hopefully these awards far into the future represent a longer-term thawing but there’s not yet reason beyond hope to think this.

(HT: ctr2010)