It seems like United's increased redemption requirements
for partner flights in premium cabins caused demand to plummet perhaps?
I can imagine American arguing that it allows flights booked through partners to earn Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQD) based on distance flown while United doesn't... but that's not much of an argument when you realise that Delta has the same
rules for partner flights as American.
There is a chance that American will once again tweak the AAdvantage program before 15 July (the date by which they say they'll announce how many award miles will be
earned for partner flights) but this is the information we have for now.
redeemed miles for lax to hnd and nrt to lax used redemption miles
for partner flights lax to bkk on cathay and jal
By charging more
miles for partner flights they're really trying to push people towards flying with United miles on United metal.
For U.S. domestic flights, award travel starts at 7,500
Avios for partner flights (including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines).
Try to choose business class flights on United since you will be paying considerably less than you will
for partner flights (look for fares at 57.5 K flights in business).
This brings it more in line with the competition — United MileagePlus requires 75,000 miles on its own flights and 85,000 miles
for partner flights.