Hi I read with great interest the repsonses to my question

I immediately called to find that the AA tkt will not accrue FF miles maybe that is why it is less than the airfare the airline quoted me.

I know you will now have more insight into my dilemma With this wrench in the mix do you think the usage of FF miles is valid

I am also passing this site onto friends/colleagues who may be interested
I think is is a valuable service thanks