I have me ER had any problem getting tickets to Europe with AA miles, in fact, if you have lots of miles you can get the anytime award with no blackouts. I usually don't do that because I am too much of a cheapskate. So I plan way ahead. Once my husband and I were on separate flights cross the Atlantic, but both in first class.
Rachel, you mean NEVER.? I've had good luck with AA twice now :-), and charge all my electric to them (big bill, unfortunately, a big and sort of old house), and get double points for supply through Engergy Plus, but you have to check the rates compared to your local company, and keep an eye on them to make sure you're saving money in addition to that. I'm too much of a cheapskate too, but have found availability close in as well, I think more award seats are available in time along the way, of course, based on their bookings, I booked my last cruise air maybe 6 months out with awards. Just depends on whether you are planning a last minute trip as opposed to a cruise. For my last cruise, I didn't book way out, and had no trouble with this time frame. WIth Regent, at least you can include their modest RT upgrades, or take the credit. I love this about Regent, and hope they never overprice it.
Not happy, however, that they are cutting down on the credits for people who get their own air. As well as cutting down on hotel credits for unused "included" benefits. To me, it is a price increase that never gets published.
