Summer and fall are prime travel seasons, but far too many Americans are struggling to get away this year, in part because airline ticket prices have increased faster than inflation in recent years and have become, frankly, downright expensive.
In fact, in just the last year alone, there’s been a 25% increase in the consumer price index for airline tickets. This is the largest year-over-year increase since 1989, when the Federal Reserve started tracking this data for the first time.
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Covering the cost of high-priced airfare becomes even harder when you take into account that it’s not just jet-setting forcing you to dig deeper into your bank account. The cost of many essentials has also risen dramatically in the post-pandemic era, and now tariff threats and potential trade wars are creating ongoing economic uncertainty that has Americans watching their pocketbooks in anticipation of even more price increases.
Still, getting away is worth the effort if you can make it happen, as a vacation can reduce burnout, bring down your stress levels, and even improve your physical and mental health.
Related: American Airlines cutting key service, testing how mad flyers get
Fortunately, one airline is making it a little bit easier to travel, thanks to a new promotion. That's American Airlines, and the promotion is called Main Cabin Energy Unlocked. If you want to take advantage of it, though, you don’t have much time.
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American Airlines AAdvantage® members can fly cheap if they act fast
If you have been racking up miles as an American Airlines AAdvantage® member, now may be the time to finally book your flights, especially if you’re dreaming about a summer trip but were worried airfare would put it out of reach.
That’s because the new promotion announced last week by American Airlines allows you to redeem your miles to fly on any domestic flight for an ultra-low rate. More than a million seats have now been made available on domestic flights at the ultra-low price of 5,000 miles for a one-way ticket.
Related: Americans agree on worst airline (and it's not the one you think)
While the deal excludes trips to Hawaii and Alaska, it’s an unbelievable bargain for those who are traveling domestically and have miles to spend.
American’s Main Cabin Energy offers started on May 15, and you must book by May 28.
How to redeem your discounted flight
The promotion can be redeemed right on the American Airlines website, and for those who want to fly a little further from home, there is also the option to purchase a main cabin seat on a trans-Atlantic flight for as little as 15,000 miles one way.
You’ll need to be an AAdvantage® loyalty member to access the deal, of course. Membership is free, and you can earn miles both by flying on American Airlines planes and by using a co-branded AAdvantage credit card for travel purchases and everyday expenses.
New cardmembers who meet spending requirements can earn up to a 50,000-mile signup bonus, which could equate to a whopping 10 domestic flights if you can book them all during the promotional period and pay just 5,000 miles each way.
Related: American Airlines makes move to end unpopular ticket policy
There’s even more good news for those eager to get away. There are no blackout dates for the months of August and September, so you can travel on your own schedule. With more than 350 destinations accessible by American Airlines’ flights, there should be plenty of great places to go.
More on travel:
- U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengers
- Delta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will like
- United Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response
Don’t wait, though, as the May 28 deadline is approaching soon.
