How to Save $600+ on American’s Premium Economy to Europe

Through the BA “Backdoor.”

The bad news first: As FCF projected in the July issue (see special report here on How to Get Free Upgrades from coach to Premium Economy on American, worldwide), some American Premium Economy fares to Europe have increased.

The good news: The British Airways Backdoor.

American currently flies Dallas to Madrid and Paris and offers seasonal summer Chicago-Paris service using its new B787-9. On the Dallas-Paris route, we are now seeing fares starting at $2,079—a $526 increase from last month.

But, if you book your flight as a code-share through British Airways, you can still buy the ticket for $1,554 (a $525 discount). Once you add in BA’s AARP discount, the fare drops to $1,424—a savings of $655.

BritishAirways.com (AARP) screenshot below.

American.com screenshot below.

So, remember to always check American code-share flights with British Airways, as American’s own Premium Economy fares might not always be the best deal.