5 on same flight? I have never seen so many mileage tickets on one flight.

Assume you have no status? Then you need to see which options will provide a refund and you can check and see if a reduction to cancel and rebook.
Guessing that 2 one ways. When booking opens keep in mind other airports in US to leave or return.

In meantime watch for bonuses to transfer your points to airline FFP to maximum your points.

Too early and gives you time to prepare for frustration. Summer is heavy season and you are going to a poorly competitive market. I made some bookings for this year and ended up booking with CX, UA, and QF (points).