I mentioned being AUS based, as in evaluating whether to "comp" a customer up, it might be a relational exercise based on their FF base. Obviously, AUS has a much greater FF base than say...Grand Rapids. Everything stated here makes perfect sense though, AA may let you buy up, but nothing for free. I might look into mileage runs, and see if there's anything in December that strikes my fancy and fits the budget. Or, I'll just be content to make that next step towards EXP and try harder next year.