How do I find the cheapest American Airline airfare?

Question

We have some frequent flier miles and we want to combine those with tickets we purchase. We're flying during school vacation in the spring, so the tickets are expensive. We want to fly together as a family.

Answer 1

If you want to use AAdvantage miles AT ALL, you have to book through www.aa.com, American Airlines' website. However, there is a very good chance that that entire week will be blacked out, unless you want to use a lot of miles.
If you would rather just pay a full price that's still cheap (I answered this question a few weeks ago.):

www.sidestep.com
They search airline websites as well as search engines (e.g. Orbitz, OneTravel, Travelocity, etc.).
I always use them; however, if you get a deal through them that's at Orbitz, if it's all on one airline, go to that airline's website, and see if it's cheaper there. There may be a difference of +/- $5-10.
Good luck, and happy holidays!
***BTW: You may not be able to use AAdvantage miles, since you may not be traveling on American.***

Answer 2

Most airlines guarantee that you will find the cheapest flights through their own website, and I believe American Airlines is one that does that. So probably your best bet is to go through www.aa.com (I fly a LOT, like 80-100 times a year, mostly for work and when i book flights i always find the cheapest fare through the airline direct. And I fly American a lot too)

Answer 3

I always seem to find the best rates at www.orbits.com or at www.cheaptickets.com. Both are really good, but I'd cross check before comitting to one. Hope this helps you some =).