Christmas is coming early for American Airlines AAdvantage members.
American on Tuesday launched a million-seat sale with award tickets starting at just 7,500 miles one-way for domestic trips and just 17,500 for international fares.
The sale runs through Nov. 16, so you have about 12 days to grab those discounted award seats. The sale covers travel dates between Jan. 12 and Feb. 28, 2026.
Related: How to earn miles in the American Airlines AAdvantage program
Although this sale won’t cover a holiday trip, it could be a great way to sneak a winter getaway on the books. “Whether it’s a quick ski trip to hit the slopes or a beach vacation to escape the cold, customers can find these deals now,” an American spokesperson told TPG.
Note for domestic fares, Alaska and Hawaii are excluded from the cheapest redemptions.
Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets
How to book American’s award sale
To book, head to this page on American’s website. I’d suggest plugging in some potential travel dates and destinations and then seeing what pops up.
For instance, we found transcontinental flights from New York-area airports to both Northern and Southern California for just 7,500 miles, one-way.
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Here’s a trip from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on one of American Airlines’ Airbus A321T jets for just 8,500 miles.
American Airlines redemption flying JFK to SFO. AMERICAN AIRLINES
Here’s another: It’s a January flight to hit the ski slopes in Colorado for 7,500 miles.
AMERICAN AIRLINES
TPG’s Andrea Rotondo found flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) for 7,500 miles plus $21.20 in taxes and fees in January.
And we also found a huge selection of options to Europe this winter. Check out this flight from New York-JFK to Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP) for just 17,500 miles plus just $5.60 in taxes and fees at the end of January. What a deal!
These rock-bottom fares are plentiful for January and February. And as a bonus, there are also a lot of deals on business class, too. Check out what I found on that same search for Milan when you look at business class redemptions. 57.500 miles one-way is about as good as it gets. Unfortunately, these are awards on British Airways metal which come with onerous taxes and fees (like more than $700), but search around. Maybe you’ll luck out and find some business class awards on AA metal.
AA.COM
Bottom line
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a winter getaway for some awesome award prices for Main Cabin fares on American Airlines and American Eagle. If you have travel to book between Jan. 12 and Feb. 28, it’s worth taking a look at these discounted prices.
On board an American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
Don’t forget AAdvantage award bookings offer free cancellation and redeposit of miles, so even if you aren’t sure of your plans, it might make sense to scoop up some award tickets. Consider it an early Christmas present to yourself.
If you need to top up your stash of AAdvantage miles, remember that Citi ThankYou Rewards now transfer to American at a 1:1 ratio for eligible cardholders.
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