Thanks LRD for the Qantas tool. It has proven quite valuable. I called AAdvantage today and started my bookings now that the 300 days from the end of my trip falls within the 14 day hold period. THe lady that helped me was quite nice, and it was good to have access to flights so when she said "nothing direct sir, would you like to try different dates?" I could either say no, how about this routing, or yes, there is direct availability the next day...

Not too shabby so far! Hopefully the LAN flights will all have the new Executive Business Class by next summer!