Thanks for your responses. I will read the sticky and try not to ask many more irritating questions!

Although coach may not be the best value, I assume I will have to pay even more to fly the 4 of us in business class? (any idea how much more?) and I am trying to reduce the overall cost of this trip. I plan on canceling the card after before the second yearly fee kicks in, if that makes a difference.

I just read about the AA 75K deal. Would it make more sense to apply for that card? FWIW, both mine and my husbands credit scores are around 730 and I am a stay at home mom (therefore no income), if that makes a difference when applying.

I appreciate your responses!