Interesting, AA's current model of releasing seats close to the departure date seems to be adding value to the award miles. If you are Jim Bob Kettle, and want to fly from SDF to SNA to see Mr. Commercialized Expensive Mouse, finding seats to SNA six or eight months out isn't so easy. But, if you're Mr. Jim Bob Business Man who wants to pitch your bourbon products to a client in Los Angeles, and the opportunity came up in about 10 days, there is often some low mileage availability that pops up with AA's current mileage protocols on SDF to SNA (or LAX). If you had to buy that ticket, you might be paying $550 round trip. A 25,000 mile expenditure is well worth it then. Obviously, trying to fly to LAX the week of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day, won't be so easy.....but, on other weeks, last minute travel is possible.