Perhaps, edcblue, you could call directly to your two mileage carriers (Delta and American) and do a 'practice' run.

You could ask for information for a date 8 or 9 months hence, and explain that you'd like info for award tickets and for upgraded tickets. Most agents will try to be helpful, and it will give you an idea of the process.

You might find, however, in the end that your travel schedule will be dictated by what is available to frequent flyers. Any sort of award ticket or upgraded ticket from North America to Europe in summer will be very difficult to acquire.

Good luck, and enjoy your travels!