Deal of the day: Fly to Jamaica for only 8,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles

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Jamaica is one of the most beautiful — and popular — destinations in the Caribbean. Whether it’s one of your favorite destinations or you’ve simply always wanted to visit, there are a couple of compelling reasons to visit right now.

The first is that Jamaica is open and welcoming visitors as it recovers from last year’s Hurricane Melissa, and your visit can help support the island nation’s efforts. The second is that we found amazing economy and business-class deals that can make your visit more affordable.

This week, we found widespread availability on American Airlines this spring and summer, starting at just 8,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles each way in economy and 20,000 miles each way in business class (plus taxes and fees).

Read on to learn what routes are available and how to book this deal.

(Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.)

Montego Bay, Jamaica. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

TPG’s deal of the day basics

Airline: American Airlines
Routes: Flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Best way to book: Directly with American Airlines using AAdvantage miles
Price: 8,000 miles for economy or 20,000 miles for business class, plus $49.60 in taxes and fees
Retail price: From $118 each way for economy and $439 for business class
Travel dates: Various dates from April through August

How to find and book TPG’s deal of the day

We found this deal on Seats.aero, which makes it easy to search AAdvantage flights across the country a year out (with a Pro membership).

Head to American’s website to book directly. Main cabin fares include advance standard seat selection, a free carry-on bag and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. In business class, you can expect extras like two free checked bags, a lie-flat seat and premium dining options.

Our searches revealed that discounted cash rates on some dates are equally impressive, if you’d rather save your miles for a longer flight or one where the miles value far exceeds the cash rate. The difference in value between cash and miles for business class is slightly greater than in economy, but we would certainly never complain about paying only 8,000 AAdvantage miles plus taxes and fees if you have miles to burn.

Remember to always confirm availability with the airline before transferring your points or miles.

How to earn the points or miles required for TPG’s deal of the day

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

One of the simplest ways to earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles is by using cobranded Citi cards. Here are some of the current welcome offers available for these cards:

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees): For a limited time, earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first four months of account opening.
Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first four months from account opening.

You can also transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to your AAdvantage account at a 1:1 ratio.

Bottom line

If Jamaica is on your must-visit list this year, snag this award flight deal to Montego Bay before it disappears. Jamaica’s sunshine and clear waters are unlimited, but availability for this deal is not.

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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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