I told her not to do it..
She asked me as an experienced traveler...
"Scott, when should I plan my wedding so you, as my brother can attend, given as you are in Chicago and I am in Melbourne, Aus..."
I say: NOT over 10 dec to 20 jan..

So.. *sigh* now I have work out how to get myself, my wife, and my 7yo (recently invited to be a bridesmaid.. yes.. ) to Melbourne at -peak- times..

Ok.. Some background... I am a a Silver on UA.. Good chance (given no funding disasters... ) I will make gold this year.. I have enough to send TC + little tornado (wife and daughter) on saver points (I have 160K) rtn to aus in Y
Now outgoing, all that is available is Christmas day, and back is the 13th of Jan..

Now do is now as good as it gets for availability? or should I shoot?

Bummed.. I really was planning to use my miles to finally enjoy international F.. But family comes first and I am ready to burn, even given the poor value my points for two Y ORD-MEL-ORD tix.. At a BAD time of year..

Any advice very very very welcome...

Can I use my points on Air NZ? etc...