The discussion above points out one of the little "secrets" of successful award redemption.

Many people will request a "saver"-type award, and if that is not available will grudgingly agree to pay double for an "unrestricted" economy award. The smart person, when told a "saver" award is not available, before agreeing to pay double for the "unrestricted" award will inquire as to the availability of a Business Class award over the route. Many times in my own experience a Business Class award can be found for the routing; this saves miles, and the passenger gets to fly in a more comfortable seat enjoying free drinks in the pointy end of the plane.

An example: A TATL Round Trip US-Europe costs 50K miles for a "saver" award in economy, and 100K for the "unrestricted" economy award, but only 80K for a Business Class award. Do the math.

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MM => UA 98%, AA 95%