I've got 9 VIPs that will expire Feb 07. I had been told by an AAgent that I only had to book a trip by then, but I've since learned here that I need to fly by then.

My partner and I have limited vacation days left, but I'd like to make good use of those VIPs. So, two round-trips each will use 8, and I can use the last one for some domestic trip (maybe Montreal to LAX?)

We're already going to Australia and Japan in June, and Australia in November (Circle Pacifics for me to requalify as EXP, and mileage awards for my partner), which is why we're low on vacation days. No AA flights on either trip (and VIPs can't be used to upgrade award travel anyway).

So what to do with the VIPs? Anyone know the least expensive route that allows upgrading to suites (starting in SAN)? Maybe an upgradeable business class through fare to somewhere in Europe, so we can go LAX-LHR on the flagship suites? That's a nice long trip, so there's time to enjoy the suites.

Maybe LAX-HNL on a 2-class 767 for the other trip? Nowhere near as nice as the suites, but Hawaii is an easy place to spend a long weekend, and sometimes there are good fares.