Not that this is the question you asked ... I would always compare what fare you would pay before forking over 50,000 miles. For example I just booked Chicago to Brussels over spring break on AA for $393 (actually $355 in travel vouchers which waive some of the tax). there is also a 7500 bonus mile offer to Brussels during that time frame - when that is the comparison - getting from 15,000 to 19,000 miles for a trip for $393 compared to spending 50,000, I'll pay. Also if you sign up for the gold challenge with AA (which I will do for my husband)traveling 8000 miles within 90 days (1 trip to Europe) you would get gold elite status if you don't already have that.
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DtG