AA Frequent Flyer Flight bookings to Europe
 

Everyone:
I've got some AA Frequent Flyer miles I'm intending to use for a trip to Europe this fall. I'll be doing a multi-city trip from Chicago, flying into London LHR and returning from Madrid. When I ran a round trip flight (over a 20 day period to- from), it was 60,000 miles + about $480 in additional fees. However, when I ran the same dates, a one-way to London = 30,000 + only a $5.36 fee, then separately, a one way return from Madrid= 20,000 + $152 in fees. Doing it one way, each way saves 10,000 miles and over $300. But, of course I'm wary of what AA would do if I first book the one-way to London, then try to book the one-way back from Madrid. Will the extra fees kick in after I have the first one-way flight on record?
Has anyone tried to save miles and $$ using AA miles in this way? Will it work? All informed responses (no speculation please) would be very welcome. Thanks!

Above, I meant to say that I initially ran technically a "multi-city" trip, not a round-trip, then tried it as two separate one-way trips. Sorry for any confusion.

All AA awards have been for one-way travel for a few years now, so your approach is not only advisable but mandatory. The reason for the drop from 30,000 to 20,000 miles is because AA's "peak" season for redemptions ends on Oct. 15, and I assume your MAD-ORD flight is after that, the outbound flight before, hence the higher mileage requirement.

The increase in taxes for the return trip isn't just taxes - it's mainly a "fuel surcharge" charged by Iberia (translated = profit) for their flights. If you took AA's flight from Madrid to either JFK or Dallas, and changed planes there, you'd see a much smaller "taxes and fees" total. Of course that depends on availability of mileage seats.

I did two one-way tickets last year with no trouble. I wasn't sure when we wanted to return so didn't do both at the same time.

Gardyloo:

Yes, I am aware of the reason for the difference in mileage charge. Frankly, I was also looking for the most pleasant flights both ways (non-stop when possible, no airport changes on lay-overs, fewest hours total flight, convenient departure times). To that point, the return from MAD at 20,000 on Oct. 17th ( a Friday of all days!) was the shortest journey of those offered that week as well.
As for the rest of what you say, thank you very much. If I hadn't decided initially just to try to run the option on a whim, I'd never know. This certainly will make a difference in my budget

happytourist:
thanks to you, too. Cool! A very concise and helpful answer.