Welcome to Flyertalk, webhorn. Another thing to keep in mind --- Be sure to register for the American Airlines Rewards Network Dining program at www.aa.idine.com and also register for the Restaurant Hopping Bonus that the AA Rewards Network currently has going through September 30, 2010. You should be able to get a number of 500 mile bonuses between now and the end of the promotion to help kick start your miles balance. You can read about the AA Rewards Network promotion at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/idine...ed-before.html