I've established checking on availability on AA.com is an indication of general availability on Avios.

Its interesting to compare two different programs to the same route redemption.

After sleeping on it, I do think I will be flying AA, even though I don't see much availability on bookings ten months ahead. I'm thinking maybe shorthaul, Avios booking SAAVERS will be a benefit.. especially with the 50% point bonus that I'll receive from Amex doing the promotional transfer from MR to vios. I've got 200K of Amex MR and transferring will make it about 300K. That's a lot of points. Based on the way Avios is structured, if I can just get one flight out of YYC and no connections, then I'll be in business. We don't need to necessarily fly to HI, but with about 400K in Aeroplan points, I've got those routes covered. With Aeroplan I can do one stopover and one open jaw, which adds value to the 45K redemption I would make to fly to an HI destination. So I get some juice out of Aeroplan that way. Plus, I'm going to be signing up for Amex Platinum which shall afford me CX gold status. Shorthaul with status is becoming not bad in my mind.

The companion ticket, the more I think about it, the more I think its not worthwhile to pursue. So I'm not sure if I'll sign up for RBC Avios.. If there is a no fee with bonus maybe, but I'm not in the mood to plug in $3K per month for 3 months to get a 45K bonus after paying $165 annual fee right now. Does Avion have a signup bonus right now? I had the Avion 17 years ago before switching over to CIBC Aerogold for Business. I like Tcook052 and how he collects Avion points and transfers on the 50% bonus. If not going after the companion ticket.. this is the way to go. I'm currently in the market for a Visa.. all I've got right now are 2 Amexes (third one coming) in my pocket

My kids will be attending the same school next year and they've got 3 10 day breaks during the year besides the normal Christmas and Summer Break. I think I can get some use out of those points as a couple of those breaks are low season.

The research continues..