Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
One of the keys with Avios is wherever the routing is through the US, the passenger can stopover for an extended time at the connection point. The key is to identify and book the connection point that is worthwhile (usually a hub), and the value for Avios is there. There is no extra cost to do so, and this could be a nice added value for redeeming Avios. Problem is trying to find a direct hub and avoid unneeded connections.
I've collected a number of points through various Amexes, and considering Avios as an alternate FFP.
In fact, you could just book separate flights to connecting cities and 'stop over' for as long as you want. You have to use the points to fly there anyway, so there's no need to jump on a plane immediately to your final destination. I have friends in YVR that have done this when flying from SEA on AS.