One other thing. Re Chris's strategy of making reservations before earning miles, and TC's response. I'm really surprised that any airline allowed that in 1998, and I'm not sure that they would any longer. I know that several FF programs now "freeze" the required number of miles in your account when you make your reservation, so that you can't make multiple reservations, much less make one set without enough miles.

I have been very fortunate to use AA miles each and every time I have wanted to - and it has been numerous times! But, I usualy reserve the minute the flights are listed for the days I want to travel - 330 days in advance! Knowing "blackout dates" and other limitations do help when making your plans. In fact, we just used miles two weeks ago for February and I was positive there was no way were were going to get seats to the Caribb in February at this late date. But I avoid Friday, Saturday or Sunday travel if I can - that seems to make it easier! Since the miles no longer expire, there is not the pressure to "use it or loose it" either! And you can "buy" miles if you are close to the award with some programs or combine miles with reduced prices! When traveling, I will often upgrade just on the way home especially if you know it will be a long, busy flight either with cash or with miles! But, remember, the tickets are not "free," you spent a lot of money to get those miles!!!!

Become a elite Frequent Flyer. <BR>Silver on DL is 25K or 30 segments. They waive blackouts and capacity controls for elite skymile members. I booked a family of fout to Hawaii at Christmas, Adults in First and Kids in Coach for 180K miles on the dates and times I wanted to go and did it in July.