By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: American AAdvantage devalued sharply in 2016 and again in 2019, then adopted dynamic pricing for its own flights in 2023, listing only starting-at prices that often climb much higher. The good news is that AAdvantage still publishes a fixed award chart for partner airlines, which is where the program keeps its best and most predictable value.
The 2016 and 2019 devaluations
American made drastic AAdvantage changes starting in March 2016, when transcontinental first class jumped from 32,500 to 50,000 miles at the saver level. In January 2019, another round raised some awards by up to 56 percent, with front-cabin Hawaii awards going from 40,000 to at least 55,000 miles each way. These were classic chart devaluations, simply printing higher numbers. See best ways to use AAdvantage miles.
The 2023 move to dynamic pricing
In April 2023, American adopted dynamic award pricing for its own flights, replacing fixed prices with starting-at figures that frequently rise well above the headline number on busy routes and dates. As with Delta and United, this removed predictability on American-operated awards and let prices float upward with demand. See dynamic pricing.
Partner awards are the bright spot
Crucially, American kept a published, fixed award chart for partner airlines, so Oneworld partner redemptions like Qatar Qsuite or Cathay business remain predictable and often excellent value. The strategy is to use AAdvantage miles for partner awards on the chart, not dynamically priced American metal. See Qatar Qsuite guide and the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
When did American drop its award chart?
For its own flights, in April 2023, when AAdvantage adopted dynamic pricing and began listing only starting-at prices. It kept a fixed published chart for partner-airline awards.
Did AAdvantage devalue before 2023?
Yes, notably in March 2016, when transcontinental first jumped from 32,500 to 50,000 miles, and in January 2019, when some awards rose by up to 56 percent. The 2023 change added dynamic pricing on top of those chart hikes.
Are American partner awards still good value?
Yes, and they are the bright spot. AAdvantage still publishes a fixed chart for partners, so Oneworld redemptions like Qatar Qsuite and Cathay business stay predictable and often deliver excellent value.
How should I use AAdvantage miles now?
Aim them at partner awards on the fixed chart rather than dynamically priced American-operated flights, which can cost far more than the starting-at price on popular dates.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
