Was in Williamsburg VA last August for work and Irene headed its direction. American was not yet allowing cancellations/re-booking, but used 12.5K miles for a one-way back to home. Got one of the last seats that was open on flights to DFW. If I had waited on AA to allow re-book I probably would have been stuck away from home in a situation that is less than ideal or trying to head anywhere west. Yes, I had to pay a booking fee and used 12.5K miles, but it was worth more than that to be out of harm's way. Plan B was to use United miles if needed, followed by some US Airways after that. Nice to have a few miles stashed other places just in case.