MHO: Book now.

- If the merger goes through, it will likely not be approved by April. (UA is still waiting for OKs to purchase USAirways.)

- If it does not go through, you are out of luck. If the merger fails, TWA will likely fold, which will make your miles useless. If you book before TWA folds, I doubt other airlines would respect a non-rev ticket.

- Aside from the buyout/Chapter 11: Due to capacity controls, there may not be availability for your desired first-class seat. The earlier you book, the better.

Best option would be to ticket today through a partner, if the itinerary works.

I have ~3000 TWA miles. If it does that appear that AA will abosorb them at a decent Aviators/AAdvantage ratio, then I'm off to milepoint for free magazines.

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He who dies with the most miles ... is dead.

[This message has been edited by ontheroad (edited 01-10-2001).]