I've started to look for my probably first ever AY redemption. We're planning with the family a holiday to MIA in Dec 2019 (early, returning before christmas but departing around Finnish independence day). How early does AY release award space? And how likely is it that they would release 3-4 business seats on the direct flight to me as Platinum (will be also that in Dec 2019)? I'm considering to use hard cash, maybe ex-ARN, for my own ticket but would like to minimize the cost for family.