I'm starting off with two AA mileage runs to Boston next week, but it's been a challenge finding cheap fares on AA in the weeks ahead. Plan on a paid London ticket in February for London Do, and then award travel in May to OzFest in Darwin (AA miles on Qantas), and in July to World Swimming Championships in Shanghai (AA miles on Cathay).

This is the first time I have not seen a decent AA U.S.-Europe sale covering January to March. Usually I'd jump on those but the cheapest fares from SFO are running over $700.