While I like the towels, this week's experience has given me a new perspective on the value of miles banked. I tried getting a CO ticket over the pond for this summer:no go. I tried using AS miles, redeeming them for a CO ticket and the AS TA provided this informative tidbit "I usually check them (CO) only as a last resort, since they never have any inventory". Note that of the AS partners the only possibility was AA. She indicated that CO was the worst of the AS partner carriers with Europe routes (American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Northwest Airlines). So, if it's a particular flight and you're up front I'd opt for CO but if you're in the back or you hope for a future vacation, go with AA.