I’ve shared in the past how it US Airways actually charges a lower number of miles than American Airlines does itself for American Airlines three cabin First Class in the US ever since American and US Airways started reciprocal award redemption it is actually 15,000 miles cheaper to use US Airways miles. This reciprocity and sweet spot in the award chart made it possible to outright purchase enough US Airways miles for only ~$940 and use them for American Airlines new First Class on their A321.

But it appears that US Airways and American Airlines will align their award charts and the lower priced option will go away soon, but there is still time to book your flights at the lower mileage requirement.

US Airways Award Chart Changes

The changes are outlined below which you can read the full details directly from the US Airways award chart page here.

We’re raising redemption levels for roundtrip travel on medium and high awards between the continental U.S. and Canada and for First Class awards on three-class service within and between the continental U.S. and Canada on oneworld® and partner flights.

• On US Airways flights, roundtrip award travel in the Main Cabin between the continental U.S. and Canada will require 50,000 miles for medium and 80,000 miles for high-level 1. Roundtrip award travel in First/Business Class between the continental U.S. and Canada will require 100,000 miles for medium and 130,000 miles for high-level 1.
• On oneworld and partner flights, roundtrip award travel in First Class on a three cabin aircraft within and between the continental U.S. and Canada will require 65,000 miles.

The key award price change to align the differences in American Airlines and US Airways domestic award charts is below:

• Before 8/1: Only 50,000 US Airways miles for American Airlines Three Cabin First Class
• After 8/1: 65,000 US Airways miles for American Airlines Three Cabin First Class

When Do The Changes Go Into Effect?

The changes go into effect for travel booked on/after August 1. All award bookings through July 31 will continue to be honored.

Bottom Line

US Airways and American Airlines continue their integration. The sweetspots in the US Airways award chart for domestic or North American travel will go away effective August 1, 2014.

If you had planned on redeeming miles with US Airways for travel in North America, might want to consider doing it before the changeover goes into effect.

If looking for a quick way to earn US Airways miles, consider the US Airways® Premier World MasterCard® card offer which gives 40,000 points after first purchase.