American AAdvantage is offering discounted economy awards to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, saving 5000 AA miles off a roundtrip for travel through April 4, 2014. Generally I prefer using AAdvantage miles for international premium travel, such as Cathay Pacific first class, Etihad first class, Qatar business class, etc., but if you have more AA miles than you know what to do with and fancy a quick getaway to Vegas or LA, this could be a cheap way to get there.
Here are the details:
- Valid on Economy Saver Awards only from the 48 contiguous states (excludes Alaska, Hawaii, USVI)
- Save 5000 AA miles roundtrip, for a total of 20,000 AA miles instead of 25,000 AA miles
- Book February 6 – 27, 2014
- Travel February 6 – April 4, 2014
Award Value
The good news is that you can combine this with the 10% mileage rebate if you have a Citi AAdvantage Visa card.
The bad news is that if you're not an AAdvantage elite, you'll have to pay a close-in ticketing fee of $75 for travel within 21 days of ticketing. So if you don't have at least AAdvantage Gold status, I wouldn't bother with this discounted award if you need to travel within the next 21 days, as the award redemption just isn't worth it.
Even without the $75 fee and with the 10% mileage rebate, you'll likely only get about 1.9-2 cents per AA mile, so consider whether this is worth it to you, given the much higher valuations you'll get on international first class and business class award redemptions.
Award Availability
There's limited availability on Fridays and Mondays, especially for nonstop flights, and much better nonstop availability mid-week, as you'd expect.
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
One of my favorite places to stay along the central Strip is The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, with Virtuoso benefits. MOzen Bistro does a great high quality Sunday brunch too, a refreshing change from the quantity over quality of most Las Vegas buffets.
If you want that iconic view of the Bellagio fountains, book The Bellagio with Virtuoso benefits, and receive an upgrade to a Fountain View Room if available, as well as complimentary breakfast ($20 daily breakfast voucher per person, 2 per room) and a complimentary lunch at Olives, up to $85. Don't forget that you can also earn Hyatt points for your stay.
Do you plan to use an AAdvantage Discount Award to Las Vegas or Los Angeles?
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HT: Ben