I don't have a bunch of miles saved up. I fly just enough every year to keep Gold 25K Leisure, 25K Business. I just know when to take a good deal. First class with a same day departure is great deal. I missed a flight two weeks ago and received a first class upgrade for the following day. Spent the night in MSP. The point is, since you don't have a status any airline (meaning your not loyal to a specific carrier,) first class on AA should have been a no brainer. Not trying to be a negative nelly its just the way the airlines work these days.