As far as routes go, I recall that the now defunct Consumer Reports Travel Letter did a survey/study several years ago on the most popular frequent flyer award routings in the U.S. That study was very extensive, was based on actual data from the airlines (thru DOT if I remember correctly), and to this day is the best I have ever seen. Would love to get a copy of that for use in this project. Randy, if you are reading I bet you have this study squirreled away somewhere....care to share?

My view is that routings from each airlines' hubs would be the logical starting point as most FFs would either be coming from or transiting through the hubs. Popular destinations in the U.S. would include HNL, MCO, SFO, LAX, NYC, and ORD. So, for example, if we were going to study CO, I would suggest evaluating all routings from IAH and EWR to HNL, MCO, SFO, LAX, and ORD and IAH to/from NYC. We can probably reduce that list somewhat based on feedback.

My suggestions for advance time would be the following: 330, 270, 180, 90, 60, 30, 14, and 1 day(s) out.