American AAdvantage miles are tough to use for actually flying American. That’s changed somewhat over the past 9 months as American has opened up greater connecting availability in coach and also loosened its routing rules for domestic awards. But premium cabin international travel on American’s own flights remains challenging.
I personally prefer flying American’s partners with American miles. AAdvantage miles are my most frequently redeemed currency, for travel on Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Etihad.
However for Europe their primary partner is British Airways — which offers decent award space, but at a high cost because BA awards incur fuel surcharges. You can come out of pocket around $1000 on some itineraries even though you’re using your miles. So for Europe I actually look for American Airlines awards.
That’s why I highlight when even modest international business class award space opens up. When it does, it’s time to jump.
Right now Dallas – Frankfurt has good availability towards the end of the year and beginning of 2019 for two passengers in business class. (In some cases there are as many as four business class saver awards.)
New York JFK – Madrid has good availability for two passengers in business class in late winter.
New York JFK – Barcelona has good availability for two passengers in business around that same time period as well.
New York JFK – Barcelona and Dallas Fort Worth – Frankfurt are operated by Boeing 777-200s with fully flat direct aisle access business class (either ‘Concept D’ seats or B/E Aerospace Super Diamond). The Madrid flight is operated by a Boeing 767 which also has flat seats and aisle access but the seats are narrow and I do not prefer them.
Boeing 777-200 Zodiac ‘Concept D’ Business Class
Madrid flights are the best for onward connections to other destinations in Europe, because it’s a hub for American’s oneworld partner Iberia. Unfortunately connections beyond Barcelona are hard now that nearly all Iberia service there has been turned over to IAG’s low cost carrier Vueling (which isn’t part of oneworld).
Departures from New York JFK in business class have access to American’s new Flagship business class lounge there, and don’t forget Flagship Bridge Dining that’s hidden away by the Admirals Club where you can order off a menu.
American AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan each charge 57,500 miles for business class each way between the US and Europe. Most other programs will add fuel surcharges to these awards.
I’m already booked DFW-FRA in AA business in November. Do you know if the Terminal D lounge will be open by then? Is it a Flagship Lounge and can I eat there for free?
@JRG a little bit of research would answer that for you.
Don’t know if the flagship lounge will be ready then but you can eat for free in the current D temporary lounge. Just did it in June when flying business to EZE.
No luck from West Coast. AA is being super stingy
Calling the offering in the temporary D lounge food is kind.
Simply an amazing plane. And an amazing post by the way. Thanks for sharing.
@JRG I do not expect it to be open in November, Flagship lounge is supposed to be early 2019
Re Flagship Dining-JFK-CDG BC. Can this be accessed on a 2 cabin flight? There are 2 AAdmirals Clubs @ JFK- where is this area located.
@Carole Lee
Go to the AA website, and under “lounges”, you’ll find the location.
Flagship Dining is available to those flying in F on a three-class configuration. On the 777-200, you won’t get access.
I found it DFW-FRA. So can I call to get connecting legs added on?