Introduction

AA previously only had an award chart for redeeming miles for its own Premium Economy cabin, but in the past few days it has also published award charts for partner airlines on its website. In addition, the AA website can now directly redeem BA British Airways Premium Economy awards as well (with high YQ).

Here are the AA website links: AA flights, partners

AA has offered Premium Economy on its own flights for quite some time now, in addition to its A333 widebody aircraft. The main differences versus standard economy are wider seats and better meals.

Among AA's partners, the airlines offering Premium Economy include British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Iberia. Availability depends on the specific route and aircraft type.

Award Charts

AA awards on AA flights, departing from the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada

Partner awards, departing from the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Canada

Partner awards, departing from Hawaii

Partner awards, departing from Asia Region 1 (Japan/Korea)

Partner awards, departing from Asia Region 2 (China)

Comparison with Alaska and Asia Miles Redemptions

For U.S.-China routes and intra-Asia travel, you can also redeem through Alaska and Asia Miles, both for Cathay Pacific flights.

AS Miles

One-way: intra-Asia 12,500; U.S.-China 35,000

Asia Miles

One-way, distance-based: U.S.-China 45,000 / 60,000

AA Miles

One-way, U.S.-China 50,000, but AA's own awards are dynamically priced! They are usually around 85,000, and sometimes even 115,000, which is just outrageous!

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So it's pretty obvious which program offers the best value here.

Summary

First, hopefully AA will continue improving partner award redemptions, and hopefully partner awards will not also become dynamically priced.

When redeeming, it really depends on which points or miles you have on hand, and the goal is to use as few miles as possible.

Premium Economy is still much more comfortable than regular economy on long-haul flights, but ultimately which cabin to book with miles comes down to your own preference.