My personal experience says no problem. Usually anybody (account holder or flying passenger) calls AA, makes the specific reservation complete with flight numbers and flight days and passenger name, indicates at the time that the reservation will be paid for by frequent flyer miles, then the agent will hold the reservation for a certain period of time. There will be a record locator (typically six digits) for that reservation. The account holder then calls up AA and indicates that the record locator will be paid for out of his account, and most everything is processed right there on the phone. Expedite fees may be involved of which the particulars can be discussed with AA. Good luck.