I'm trying to book a round trip from LAX to Maui for late June/early July next year. I have the outbound flight on hold, but because of the 5 day hold limit it must be ticketed today or else expire. My return flight options won't be in the system until tomorrow or the next day.

I'm trying to figure out what to do. AA won't extend the hold and have been quite firm about it, saying that since they've moved to one way award tickets they won't extend the hold and if I want the outbound, I need to ticket it.

Award tickets to/from Maui are flying off the shelf (I was unable to get my first outbound date even though I was checking 329 days in advance for each date) and I'm concerned that I won't be able to get a return award ticket on one of my two desired return dates. If I can't get the award ticket for the return, I'll need to either pay the fee to return the miles to my account or else purchase a one way ticket for the return. As the AA/Delta/Etc charge about 1/3 more for the one way fare, I'd be limited to looking for a flight/fare on Hawaiian Airlines.

I'd really like to use miles for these tickets, but I'm torn between thinking I should just go for it and thinking that it's not worth taking the chance.

Any thoughts?

Nobody else can book return tickets for those days yet, either. So book your outbound and just be ready to pounce on the return tomorrow or the next day.

If you can't find availability on AA using their website, phone AA and ask about availability using Hawaiian Airlines via Honolulu or using Alaska Airlines via Seattle or Portland. All are eligible carriers using AA miles, but only AA-operated flights show up on AA's website.

Meant to add, airlines release seats into award inventory throughout the year as their yield/revenue management software says it's okay to do so. (Special class taught at Hogwarts for RM programmers.) I don't think you'll have any difficulty getting return seats, but you have to be a little patient, even at the expense of your nerves.

Thank you Gardyloo. That helps!

I am right there with you trying to get an Aadvantage ticket roundtrip to Maui. I too have an itinerary on hold. My issue is different. My problem is that Citibank shorted me 5000 miles (bonus) that I absolutely need to have for the now 45,000 miles to Hawaii (used to be 30,000). Citibank won't transfer miles until Aug 17. Neither AA or Citi (and I have talked to supervisors) is helping me. My immediate choice is to pay $ for the 5000 miles or lose the trip. It is soooooooo hard to make up a decent trip to Maui using Aadvantage miles, they've made it nearly impossible. I could also take a chance and when the hold is almost up, cancel and immediately re-book. I have a couple days to think about it. Good luck to you, dreaming

Gardyloo has a very good point and in your case if you hop on it, it may work out fine.

Grab them <b>Now!</b> Gardyloo is correct.
There is more guidance here that will be helpful getting your return flight:http://tinyurl.com/9mu4hm

Thank you, thank you everyone. I went ahead and booked them yesterday them. My first return date popped into the system today and I got the return tickets put on hold. (My first choice date would be the second day, but I'd be happy with what I've got on hold if the first choice doesn't work out.)

Good luck hpeabody. I hope it all works out.