DIY Around the World Award Trip

I cashed in about 250,000 miles and flew around the world last month.  The trip was four one way awards, not a formal around the world award ticket. I feel like it gave me better value (way cheaper) and more flexibility (could book on different alliances).  With American’s devaluation staring me down, I decided to redeem almost all my AAdvantage miles on an epic adventure. 

Thanks For The Motivation

I went DEN-DFW-SYD-AKL in business class for about 65,000 American miles.  Premium cabin award space to Australia is very difficult to find, so the DFW-SYD seat I found drove the timing of the trip.  From there I flew AKL-SYD-PER on QANTAS with 17,500 American miles for business class.  I wanted the direct on Air New Zealand’s 787, but no business class space was available and coach with United miles was the same price as business with AA.  Perth to Cape Town, via JNB, was 85,000 United miles and good value. The other options were via Asia and North Africa.  Cape Town to Denver was 100,000 AA miles for first class on British Airways via London.  This was the best value because the ticket was only 25,000 more miles than London to Denver and I was in first for an extra 12 hours.

I Love Sydney Airport

Enjoy some photos, I’ll have more detailed posts soon.

Thanks oneworld As Well