Note: I have booked the flight to UAE and hotels too already. UPDATE: I have been using award search tools, the basic free version pointsyeah & awardtool to try find one way coach from DXB or AUH to ORD on Jan 3 or 4 for 3 people.
Because of the peak season and demand, it is very difficult to find a good award. United award is available for 140K per person which is bad.
On Aeroplan, I sometimes find 70K plus $140 tax person award but than there is huge change and cancellation fee.
Is there a good chance to find Etihad award on AA closer to the travel date and I should hold off on booking aeroplan award that has change and cancel fee? Partner Awards on AA and United can be cancelled with full mile redeposit but not with Aeroplan.
What is your advice on how to book this award? Been struggling to find a return award.Thanks a lot