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 of course earn AAdvantage miles from cobranded American credit cards issued by Citi; while AAdvantage was once a notoriously difficult transfer option from most credit cards, times have changed somewhat. You can now transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to your AAdvantage miles account at a 1:1 rate.
And with the new Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees) currently offering 100,000 bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of account opening (for a limited time), now is a great time to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles via the Citi ThankYou Rewards program.
In honor of the new transfer partner option, here are eight of the best ways to use up to 100,000 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, 43-inch 4K screens, gourmet Japanese cuisine and the impeccable service that the carrier is known for.
This redemption offers excellent value at just 80,000 AAdvantage miles one-way between a handful of U.S. cities and Tokyo.
While TPG values AAdvantage miles at 1.55 cents apiece in our October 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.
Related: Huge suites and phenomenal amenities: A review of Japan Airlines’ new A350 first class
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Book a business-class flight to Australia
Redeeming 80,000 AAdvantage miles for Qantas business class to Australia or New Zealand is another 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)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Auckland Airport (AKL)
- 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. 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 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 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 up to 100,000 miles or more 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.
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.
Related: Still better than business class: A review of British Airways First on the 777 from London to Washington
Fly round-trip to Japan in premium economy
If you’re looking for more value than redeeming a one-way ticket in first class, consider flying round-trip from the U.S. mainland to Japan in premium economy on Japan Airlines for only 50,000 AAdvantage miles each way.
These flights are available on popular routes like LAX to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT), but you could also fly direct to Kansai International Airport (KIX) near Kyoto, which is great for exploring one of Japan’s most historic cities.
Japan Airlines’ premium economy offers a meaningful upgrade over standard economy, especially on long international flights across the Pacific. You get up to an impressive 42 inches of more legroom, shell-style seats that slide forward (so your recline doesn’t invade the space behind you), motorized leg rests, larger entertainment screens and priority airport services.
Related: First look at Japan Airlines’ new premium economy on the Airbus A350-1000
Book up to 20 domestic American Airlines flights
Short-haul economy flights start at just 5,000 miles one-way. These can cover routes like DFW to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) or Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
While not the flashiest use of miles, this option is useful for saving cash on shorter flights, and one card’s welcome bonus could allow you to take extended family or friends on a round-trip journey.
Book 6 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)
- Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
- Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR)
This means you could redeem 96,000 AAdvantage miles for six round-trip economy flights to Mexico — an excellent way to maximize value, especially for families.
The welcome offer from the Citi Strata Elite Card could cover six round-trip tickets when transferring your ThankYou Rewards points to AAdvantage, 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
At the time of publication, premium economy flights from the U.S. to Europe operated by American Airlines are available from 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 1/2 round-trip economy tickets 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), Kona International Airport (KOA) on the Big Island or Lihue Airport (LIH) on the island of Kauai.
American Airlines offers flights for 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. With 100,000 Citi ThankYou Rewards points, you could book a third person to Hawaii, noting you would need additional points or cash for their flight back to the mainland.
You could also choose to travel with Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines from 22,500 miles each (one-way); both carriers operate 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, the Citi Strata Elite Card is offering 100,000 ThankYou Rewards points after spending $6,000 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 AAdvantage program.
American miles are especially 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, 100,000 American miles can go a long way when used strategically.
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