Are you looking for a cheap business class award to Europe in the US? Try this
As American Airlines has moved to dynamic pricing for mileage awards, it’s become increasingly difficult to find really good awards… especially on highly desirable routes like US to Europe in business class.
If you’re having trouble finding business class awards on American or other Oneworld airlines, know that some routes have more seats available than others. As we did recently with United Airlines Business Class Award, We are here to help by providing a list of routes. In fact, it might even make sense to get one positioning flight head to one of the cities below for a great trip — at great AAdvantage rewards prices.
Pro tip: Here are some Favorite tools to find prizes yourself.
Here are some ways to search if you want to find better-than-average American Airlines and Oneworld business class availability (sourced from data powered by Odynn’s Awayz) that you can book with AAdvantage miles.
Related: These are the best bonus card welcome offers of the month
Note: I’ve had the best luck searching for one-way flights. When you search for a round trip, in most cases you will be placed on partner airlines that make additional stops and may be subject to various taxes and fees.
Business class availability in London until August 2025
If you start your trip at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), you could get a ridiculous bonus of 54,000-57,500 miles for a one-way business class flight to the airport. London Heathrow (LHR). We found sporadic dates towards the end of the schedule.
Those dates include August 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 13, 19 and 20 August 2025. The example below is from August 6.
If you search for round-trip travel, American Airlines will often show you British Airways flights. Flying British Airways on this round-trip route (or a similar route) using American miles can add $1,800 in taxes and fees, so you’ll want to avoid flights like this one to Paris on British Airways.
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If you fly back to the US in business class from London, you will also be subject to large taxes and fees along with the award. Instead, it might make sense to spend a few days in another European gateway and fly back from there.
Related: How to avoid or minimize Air Passenger Tax charges
Business class available in Milan and Rome until August 2025
Although more limited, there are still some seats available in business class at reasonable prices for both Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) for just 111,500 AAdvantage miles and 71, 90 USD for a round trip. I found round-trip deals to Rome from August 4 to 21, 2025 from JFK airport and from August 3 to 21, 2025 from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Other dates are also available.
I found similar deals to and from Milan from both JFK and DFW, so it’s definitely worth looking for. Note that some of these round-trip flights have connections in Chicago, Charlotte or Philadelphia.
Related: Chasing American Airlines elite status? Here are ways to earn Loyalty Points
Business class ticket to Madrid
TPG also found some business class seats to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) from JFK for just 62,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus $5.60. January offers the most availability, but there are a number of flights available at that price on scattered dates throughout the schedule.
I also found a flight from Dallas to Madrid for only 80,500 miles and $5.60 – not great but not bad either.
Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
Business class ticket to Barcelona
We also see wide availability from DFW to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for 62,500-85,000 miles plus just $5.60 in November 2024 and January 2025.
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American Airlines Award. AMERICAN AIRLINES
Related: How American Airlines lured me back with Loyalty Points
Bottom line
While this availability is there, it is not as common as one might imagine. You will need to be extremely flexible to find the best price. Even if you don’t live near one of these hub airports, or if you want to go to another European destination, it’s still a good idea to lock in one of these routes and then add positioning flights later.
And for God’s sake, if you find a deal, you should jump on it. When you book with a program like American Airlines AAdvantage, that is easily change or resend award flights if you change your mind.
While it’s certainly harder than it used to be to get big award miles on international business class flights, you can still find great deals with patience and flexibility even when programs There are flexible changes in prices. Use this list of routes as a good starting point. Good luck and I’ll see you in the forward cabin.
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