G'day

I have a question regarding redemption timing for award tickets.

1) If I booked two flights for next year, do the miles come out next year or do they come out at time of confirmation (this year)?

I ask because my wife will not be able to use any of her miles this year but we expect to use some next year. This being the case, can we book 200K worth of flights using this years allotment of miles (but fly next year) and then book 250K worth of flights after January. Effectively using 450K in one year?

Comments please