One of the first steps is to use online travel agencies like Expedia, Kayak, or Orbitz. These platforms allow you to search for American Airlines flights from your nearest airport. You can input your departure and destination cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers. They will display a list of available flights, including prices and flight durations. You can also filter the results based on your preferences, such as non-stop flights or flights with a certain number of layovers. For example, if you're traveling from New York to Los Angeles, you might find that a direct flight is more convenient but more expensive, while a flight with a layover could save you money.

The American Airlines website itself is another great resource. It offers exclusive deals and promotions that may not be available elsewhere. You can sign up for their frequent flyer program, AAdvantage, to earn miles and enjoy benefits like priority boarding and free checked bags. By logging into your account, you can view personalized flight suggestions and save your favorite flights. The website also provides detailed information about in-flight amenities, including meal options and entertainment, which can influence your choice of flight.

It's important to be flexible with your travel dates. Sometimes flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons can result in significant savings. American Airlines often offers lower fares during these times. You can also set up fare alerts on the airline's website or through travel search engines. This way, you'll be notified if the price of your desired flight drops, allowing you to book at the most favorable rate. Checking for connecting flights at nearby airports might also lead to cheaper options. For instance, if your local airport has high demand, a nearby airport might have more affordable American Airlines flights.