This is one of those "duh" questions, and I didn't want to wait on the phone for 30 mintues to find the answer

I'm using my CC miles for the first time for travel next year. If I leave after October 16, I can fly to Italy on AA for 40K miles.

Because I need 5 tickets, I want to book ASAP, and I know you can't book more than 330 in advance.

So -- the "DUH" question: Do I have to wait to book tickets from the departure date or the return date?

Thanks!

Call 330 days before your <b>departure</b> date. They'll hold the reservations for you. Then call again 330 days before your return date, get your flight and issue them (or if there's nothing available for the return, search for alternatives).

Thanks rkkwan

I'll give that a try.

It may help to discuss this when you first call for departure seats. They may save your return reservation until you can get the return. It seems to depend on the airline, and maybe the agent you talk to.

Thanks Jed -- I'm nervously counting down the days until I can call. And the last time I called I could hardly understand the woman -- very fustrating!

If you don't like the agent (whatever the reason), or the answer you get, hang up and call back. That's the first rule of calling an airline.