Originally Posted by platbrownguy

1. the $659 business fares are still out there, just primarily at odd times or weekends ($559 has been Saturdays only for a while), and always only on advance purchase. Google Flights is useful for finding them. Keep in mind that you can use same-day flight change to get on another flight in the same fare bucket (for business class) and then use a BXP1 to get to F. unfortunately the $859 fares are generally gone -- if the $659 is unavailable then it seems to be $1100-1300 or higher.

2. I'd say C might pop up more in the 36-48 hour range. EF is pretty reliable at this.

3. You mention calling both AA and Meeting Services. You'd only have to do this if you need to upfare to get out of B/N/O/Q/S (call AA to avoid the $200 change fee, which technically they could still charge you but in my and others' experience they don't) and then call Meeting Services to apply the BXP1. If your ticket is already in an eligible fare class (i.e. not B/N/O/Q/S) then you'd only need to make one phone call, to Meeting Services. Note their limited hours and there's nothing you can do if C goes away when they're closed.

4. I don't see the benefit to splitting the PNR in advance and I wouldn't necessarily waitlist the BXP1. People have all kinds of trouble (read upthread) getting Meeting Services to clear them. I'd rather wait until C is available and then call to apply the BXP1, and if only one is available, split it then.