Well today, I booked my very first flight for 3 people all using miles in J cabin. Had to transfer 10,000 from Marriott to Mileage Plus and paid the $16.80 in taxes but its booked. Also signed up and got approval for Mileage Plus Explorer Card with the 70K bonus. After 5 years of accumulating, and another 2 years of letting miles expire, it looks like I've taken the first baby steps into the miles game.
