My balance rarely climbs over 100K and I rarely fly international (though I do fly a good deal domestic). In the past, miles were used to upgrade to First on mid-cons / transcons, but with UA upping that 50% (10K to 15K), I generally sit in Coach now, adding to my "stash".

I did cash in 25K for a UA saver award (my first) SEA-GSO as that route is about impossible to get under $400 (and often under $500) in general, much less for late summer.

My SEA-NRT trip in Japan will be an XC award ticket if it ends up just me going, as 90K seems better than a $1000 H fare and 60K for an upgrade.