I am planning a trip from LAX to Washington DC next year from 4/2/11 - 4/9/11, and I want to use miles. There will be 5 people traveling. (Note that in 2011, public schools typically have their Spring Break 2 weeks after this, and Universities have their Spring Break in mid-March.)

I know that I can't book the flight until 330 days out, but I'm not sure what the best way to do it is, if there are even any options.

I have 90,000 AA miles and 100,000 BA miles (and I also have 160,000 Delta miles, if I have a better chance there).

- Do I have to wait until 4/9/11 - 330 days, or is there something I can do at 4/2/11 - 330 days?
- Is it better to try to get into DCA or Dulles?
- How can I use the AA and BA miles in one transaction?
- If I can't, should I try the AA miles first or the BA miles, and how can I make sure that I can get 5 tickets in total (on the same flights!)?

Any help or advice would be appreciated!