Hi All,

Just received an invitation for Thanksgiving, and would like to book a first class AAnytime Award from BUF-TUS via ORD. (BUF-ORD leg is on Eagle, and yes, I know it's pretty late to try and do this! )
When I tried to book online, I got a message that there are no MileSAAvers available (in first or coach) but I could book an AAnytime Award in first for the dates I need. My preference would be to not burn 90K miles on this trip, and I'd rather not blow an E-VIP (usually save these for International flights). In checking the AA seat map, most of the 14 F seats on the outbound and inbound (S80) are showing open (I also need to check the Availability Tool on this). My question is as follows. As we get closer to the date, is there any chance that unsold/unbooked as AAnytime Award F seats will be converted to MileSAAver award seats, or will they instead be released for paying PAX upgrades? Depending on the answer I may have to re-think my position regarding miles and VIP's or (Egads!) pony-up and pay. Any and all info will be much appreciated (tried a search and couldn't find an answer) Thanks for the help.