My philosophy, which is not unlike that of many others, has always been to use my miles for service I could not (or would not) pay for on my own. That stance has meant using miles for upgrades to Business Class on several international flights as well as one or two free domestic tickets that would have been cost prohibitive for one reason or another (very short notice, inability to meet minimum stay requirements, etc.). Otherwise, I do not redeem miles for any trip - be it domestic or international - that is within my budget and that would earn me additional miles, especially when trying to maintain an "elite" membership level in a mileage program.

Since I fly AA almost exclusively and typically buy "web specials" or "NetSAAver" fares, my opportunities to upgrade internationally are virtually nil (AA no longer permits "web" fares to be upgraded with miles) and, frankly, the last few times I upgraded to International Business Class on AA I was very disappointed. For domestic flights on AA, I can use my electronic "segment" upgrades but I will probably see if I can exchange them for miles. Therefore, I am hoarding my AAdvantage miles for the express purpose of taking a few intercontinental trips in First Class on CX. I can hardly wait to experience that level of comfort and service - both in flight and in "The Wing" at HKG!

I also have a number of miles with DL, NW, UA and US (not to mention Starwood and Amex points to transfer into applicable airline programs) and, most likely, I will use those miles for free international trips - in Business or First Class - on one of the respective airlines' partners. No offense meant to anyone's sensibilities...but the level of service, even in international Business or First, on U.S.-based carriers is not worth my miles. I would rather experience the extraordinary service of CX, SQ, BA, SR, NZ, etc.