Spend some time doing sample bookings now. If you are thinking about trying to book tickets - say - 10 days out....then see what you can get 10 days from today. Do that a few times and you'll get a flavor for how things work. Your flexibility (dates and destinations) should certaily be in your favor.

Remember also - with DL/CO/NW - you can mix and match. For example, fly to east coast on one airline, across the Atlantic on another, and return home on the third....it helps to do your homework on all 3 websites! Good luck.