Don't forget, if you're bumped you don't HAVE to fly to get the miles.

My story: I was in Tampa going to Toronto. I booked last minute and booked AC nonstop late evening.

Unexpectedly a coworker was assigned to go along, who was a loyal AA customer. He booked TPA-MIA-YYZ.

I decided to join him last minute, so bought a tkt at the AA counter (it would have gotten in around 8 pm, rather than my nonstop arriving at 11 pm). AA counter wouldn't take my AC tkt (due to time constraints).

I head out to the gate, to find my co-worker waiting. Turns out they are 2 flights behind and he's sitting until they call his flight.

They call that flight a few mins later and after a little confusion, end up saying "we need volunteers for...." They didn't even have to get the rest out before I was in line.

I got $300 and walked promptly back to the ticket counter where my ticket was voided. Never even hit my credit card.

Bill, my coworker, always enjoys telling the story.

JL