FYI.... I read an article a few months back that American is the most generous airline with FF free ticket availability. They generally will allow you to use miles as long as there is a seat avialable on the flight that you want. The reason that they gave is that ...whats the point of earning miles if you cant use them....My sentiments exactly. This has built my customer loyalty...I still have lots of trouble redeeming miles on Continental despite my platinum status. I have less trouble on United, but the flights that I want are not always available. I have redeemed 7 flights on American the last 2 years on only once did they not have my flight. In my mind, I put up with some of the inconvienance with American because of their far superior mileage redemption program. American is the airline for me.