I’m always keeping an eye on award flights to Central and South America—especially after spending an epic summer there with my kids last year. It’s one of those regions I’m already itching to return to thanks to its mix of affordability and family-friendly destinations.

That’s why recent award pricing on American Airlines immediately caught my attention. Right now, American is pricing award flights to Central and South America unusually low and showing wide-open availability. And not just for one or two seats—I’ve found options for six award seats, all on the same flight.

 

Flights to South America Starting at 12,000 Miles One Way

American’s pricing to South America is where things really get exciting. I found award flights from airports such as Salt Lake City (SLC), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas (DFW) to Lima, Peru, starting at just 12,000 miles one way in economy.

What makes this especially compelling is the timing. There’s strong award availability throughout the winter months, which lines up with summer in much of South America—often the most popular (and expensive) time to travel.

That pricing extends even further south. Award flights to Chile, including Santiago, are also showing up at around 25,000 miles one-way—notable because flights to southern South America are typically among the more expensive redemptions, both in miles and cash.

 

 

Families can also take advantage of this deal, as some of these dates show availability for up to six passengers on the same flight.

 

 

Business-Class Deals Are Unusually Reasonable, Too

There’s also value on the premium side. I found business-class award flights to South America starting around 25,000 miles one-way, which is a particularly compelling deal for routes to this region.

 

 

Central America Deals Starting at 8,000 Miles

 

If you’ve ever talked to me for even five minutes, you already know I’m obsessed with Central America—especially Guatemala. It’s easily one of my top family-friendly destinations.

Right now, American is showing award flights to Guatemala from cities like Phoenix (PHX) and Salt Lake City (SLC) (and even Boise), starting at just 8,000 miles one way. There’s also similar pricing to Costa Rica. And even better, several dates offer availability for up to six passengers on the same flight, making it a realistic option for families booking together.

Just as importantly, these aren’t painful itineraries with endless layovers. Many of the options I found have straightforward routings and reasonable travel times—something that matters a lot when you’re flying with kids.

 

Low Fees Make These Redemptions Even Better

Another reason these deals stand out is the cost beyond miles. American Airlines award tickets typically incur very low taxes and fees, even on international routes. On many of these flights, you’ll only pay $5.60 out of pocket on the way there.

For families booking multiple seats, out-of-pocket costs can make or break an award trip. Keeping fees this low makes it far easier to justify using miles for long-haul flights—especially when the mileage savings are already significant!

 

What To Know Before Booking

Before you book, there are a few things worth keeping in mind:

• American Airlines uses dynamic pricing. Mileage rates and availability can change quickly, especially as winter travel demand ramps up.
• Flexibility helps. Shifting your dates by even a day or two can unlock better pricing.
• Multiple seats aren’t guaranteed. If you need five or six seats on the same flight, it’s worth booking as soon as you see availability that works for you.
• You can hold award flights for free. American allows you to place award flights on hold for 24 hours at no cost, giving you time to coordinate schedules, confirm plans, or compare multiple options. You can even hold more than one flight at a time while you decide—a strategy I utilize often.
• Free cancellations add flexibility. American Airlines allows award tickets to be canceled without a fee, and your miles will be redeposited back into your account. This is a great way to lock in a good deal now and adjust plans later if needed.

 

How To Earn American Airlines Miles

If you don’t already have American Airlines miles, there are several ways to build a balance:

• Flying with American Airlines or its partners. Miles are typically earned based on the fare paid and your loyalty status.
• Using American Airlines co-branded credit cards. Some credit cards earn American Airlines miles on everyday purchases.
• Everyday shopping and dining. American partners with shopping portals, dining programs, and other services that award miles for eligible purchases.
• Hotel stays and point transfers. Specific hotel loyalty programs let travelers earn American Airlines miles on eligible stays or convert hotel points into miles, which can help top off a balance when award pricing is low. Transfer rates often aren’t especially generous, so it’s worth doing the math to ensure the numbers add up before moving points.

 

Bottom Line

Award pricing and availability don’t often move in the same direction. When mileage rates drop and space stays open—especially for larger groups—it creates a narrow window where using miles makes sense. For travelers with flexible dates or a family trip in mind, this kind of availability is worth checking sooner rather than later.

 

 

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