Originally Posted by jsguyrus

I have been looking for business class awards for travel to Europe next June. The awards themselves seem to be increasingly rare and the redemptions are insane. 400K (One way) for Condor, 255K for Qatar, 350K for Aer Lingus and a few BA for 70K plus $1,000. When I look at Japan I find 150K-225K for Hawaiian, 300K for Starlux and on and on it goes. Finding very few if any American, Iberia, or Finnair J awards. Is this the new normal? If so the value proposition of Mileage Plan has been substantially altered. Is this now becoming a coach only award system?

I know a few of you will hit me back with needle in a haystack award finds or the book close in and there MAY be something advice (who plans a Europe vacation two weeks out). I know all of that but I think my statement stands. Thoughts?