A destination-led shortlist. Great trips first, points bragging rights second.
Destination stockTokyo Tower and the city skyline at sunset; destination stock photograph, not Conrad Tokyo. Stock photograph: Ehsan Haque / Pexels · Illustrative; does not identify a named hotel, award room or airline product.
Editorial ordering based on trip appeal for US travelers, practical routing and the usefulness of American's listed partners. These are search candidates, not live confirmed seats. No unverified mileage price or cabin guarantee is asserted. Compare the live full-itinerary quote, taxes, time and a realistic paid alternative.
Start with Japan if it is already high on your travel list; compare cabins and practical arrival airports.
Aspirational long-haulPartner seats are limited. Confirm the cabin on every segment and the live miles quote.
Check the official details Read our guideA strong search idea for an itinerary genuinely served by a Doha connection.
Long-haul candidateDo not assume Qsuite or a single-award price; aircraft, routing and availability matter.
Check the official details Read our guideInvestigate a Spain trip with convenient onward plans rather than adding a detour for a cabin.
Europe shortlistSearch eligible partner inventory on American and compare total cash charges.
Check the official details Read our guideUseful when Hong Kong is your destination or a connection makes the full itinerary better.
Asia shortlistSpace in Cathay's own program is not proof American can book the same seat.
Check the official details Read our guideInclude Helsinki in a Europe search when the route and onward connection fit your plan.
Northern EuropeConfirm partner space, operating carrier and final itinerary price.
Check the official details Read our guideA destination-led search for a French Polynesia trip, with the rest of the island itinerary budgeted.
Island escapePrice domestic island connections and every night before committing to the long-haul award.
Check the official details Read our guideWorth considering if Fiji is the vacation, rather than simply an elaborate route elsewhere.
South PacificVerify current routes, partner award space and cabin details in the live search.
Check the official details Read our guideA sensible aspirational search for a longer Australia visit with flexible dates.
Plan aheadPremium partner inventory may be scarce; keep an economy or paid backup.
Check the official details Read our guideInvestigate when Morocco is the actual trip or the connection works for a broader itinerary.
Destination firstCheck routing eligibility, onward connections and the full cash charge.
Check the official details Read our guideA conveniently timed trip to see friends or take a long weekend can be an excellent real-world redemption.
Everyday valueAmerican-operated prices vary. Compare the live quote with the cash fare you would buy.
Check the official details Read our guide