Economy MileSAAver vs Economy AAnytime: Find Better Out
“Economy MileSAAver” and “Economy AAnytime” are fare classes for redeeming miles on American Airlines (AA) flights. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
1. Economy MileSAAver
- Definition: A discounted award fare that requires fewer AAdvantage miles.
- Mileage Cost: Lower compared to Economy AAnytime.
- Availability: Limited; subject to specific routes, dates, and seat availability.
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as availability depends on blackout dates and travel demand.
- Best For: Travelers with flexibility in travel dates who want to maximize their AAdvantage miles.
2. Economy AAnytime
- Definition: A standard award fare that requires more AAdvantage miles but offers greater availability.
- Mileage Cost: Higher compared to Economy MileSAAver.
- Availability: Broader; fewer restrictions on dates and routes.
- Flexibility: More flexible with minimal restrictions, making it ideal for travelers with less flexibility in dates.
- Best For: Travelers who prioritize availability and are willing to spend more miles for convenience.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Economy MileSAAver | Economy AAnytime |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Required | Lower | Higher |
| Availability | Limited | Wide |
| Flexibility | Less | More |
| Cost Efficiency | High (for flexible plans) | Lower (miles per dollar) |
Tips:
- Use MileSAAver fares to save miles when your travel dates are flexible.
- Opt for AAnytime fares if you need to fly on specific dates and don’t mind spending extra miles for guaranteed availability.
Table Overview: A Quick Recap!
A lot of travelers end up spending more pennies than actual expenditures. Lack of information, confusion among different plans, etc., are the key reasons. Have a look at the factors between Economy mileSAAver vs Economy AAnytime.
| Comparing Factors | Economy mileSAAver | Economy AAnytime |
| Flexibility | On average | High |
| Penalty | Around $150 fee | No penalty |
| Incidental Costs & Benefits | Lack of services | Better |
Also, check out if you are eligible for AAdvantage elite status! But for now, let’s explore more of these two rewards.
Economy MileSAAver Vs Economy AAnytime: Detailed Comparison
American Airlines comes with a unique approach. Its co-branded credit cards bring up discount options. So, whenever you buy from this airline you will get an award flight discount!
The programs including the discount are called Reduced Mileage Awards (RMA). That’s what we are going to discuss deeper here.
Flexibility
The “AAnytime” reward program brings some significant benefits. Choosing AAnytime can maximize users’ flexibility. So, what flexible factors we are talking about?
Well, you may fall into timing issues. As a result, pausing your trip or shifting the schedule can be required.
Meanwhile, American Airlines brings the “MileSAAver” program as an award availability. When booking a ticket, you will find an option there.
That’s how one can avail MileSAAver award through RMA discount. Initially, finding this program was quite straightforward to claim.
But there’s a catch:
Later, American Airlines was coming up with a new and advanced search tool. That award tool made the availability of MileSAAver more obscure.
Along with that, this tool asks users to provide specific preferences. Deep inside, you will be asked about these requirements of flight plan:
In economy class: 12,500 miles or less
In first class: 25,000 miles or less
However, it may make you feel frustrated even if you get flexible dates. But wait, there are more disappointments to come across! Recently, American Airlines have vanished the workable options.
Adding to it, you will not be finding the availability calendar. Meanwhile, AA partners with British Airways, Qantas Airways. That keeps you directed to those airlines for buying mileSAAver.
However, the majority of travelers don’t find this much suitable for them. Well, would you mind buying via this? Hopefully, you won’t!
Winner: Economy AAnytime is highly likely to win this comparison over Economy MileSAAver.
Depending On Penalties
As it’s named “AAnytime”, so yes, it offers anytime cancellation or alteration. Isn’t it fascinating? Also, you will not have to face any penalty.
However, let’s not come to any verdict now. It’s time to observe the economy mileSAAver AA.
A MileSAAver flight would charge you around a $150 penalty fee. And force you to hold buying until a new flight is available. Consequently, it may keep you waiting for an uncertain period.
So, learn about what a seat request is. It can help you reduce penalties.
However, many renowned airways require several departure penalties too. It makes sense now! That’s where the economy AAnytime ranks higher.
Winner: There’s no objection to Economy AAnytime reward as it has no penalty.
Incidental Costs & Benefits
Aware enough of incidental costs after reaching the airport, right? You can not ever estimate how these costs may be included in the list.
So, knowing it’s deep is quite vital for you. Services that may catch you often are such as,
- Seat upgrade fee
- Baggage checking fee
- Itinerary changing fee
- In-flight entertainment
- Ticket alteration or cancellation
- Telephone reservation fee
- Food & beverage fee onboard
- Airways exclusive lounge member fee
- Wireless fee onboard(while Gogo wireless comes as free)
Apart from these, keep you updated on early departure fees.
Interestingly, both programs from American Airlines don’t provide the same. If you are thinking to overlook this, then more news for you!
MileSAAver awards have some restrictions here. You can not enjoy these above benefits to the fullest. It makes you a change fee for any ticket alteration.
However, passengers from Executive Platinum AA don’t have to face the consequence. These make a bit of a confusing situation among general passengers. Last but not least: you can not enjoy baggage or priority-based boarding here.
Winner: Economy AAnytime again stays ahead among these reward programs AA.
Final Verdict: Which One Suits You Better?
You have already seen our thorough research above! Simply, it’s the economy AAnytime that serves much better, right?
AAnytime enables any seat availability carrying no blackout date. Besides, you are eligible for accessing American Eagle flights too! On the other hand, economy MileSAAver awards have limits in availability. In spite of that, no blackout dates are there.
So yes, the MileSAAver award has got some beneficial characteristics. But in the long run, our verdict sticks to the Economy AAnytime.
FAQs
What Benefits My Credit Card of American Airlines Can Provide?
The credit cards that American Airlines provide have various benefits. As you have got this cardholder service, it usually includes hassle-free bags checkup without spending money. Also, you will have the first priority onboarding. Lastly, an excellent discount on in-flight purchases.
Is My Flight Reserved Via AA Miles Possible To Cancel?
If you have bought tickets through aa.com, it’s highly possible to cancel. Also, they reinstate your schedule if required. In addition, you can claim the refund eligible fees along with taxes. Getting these facilities active for up to 1 year is such a big thing.
Am I eligible for the Reduced Mileage Awards of American Airlines?
AA eligibility includes Executive World Elite Mastercard, Platinum Select Mastercard. Also, you may require CitiBusiness/City/AAdvantage Mastercard. Along with that, AAdvantage Aviator Red, Silver, and Business Mastercard are also eligible. So, you can enjoy rewards by carrying any of these.
Conclusion
Economy mileSAAver vs Economy AAnytime shows you the right path while flying within the US. But be watchful if your money brings back the highest benefits or not.
These concerns can make you enjoy flights to the fullest. Let us know which program you will get into.
Happy traveling!
