A few years ago, I was able to get an award ticket BOS-Jackson Hole in February two days before flight time for a rush fee os $75. There were no problems -- and at the time I was a non-elite.

I have found that the cost of personal travel is inexpesive. I have never paid more than $450 for a domestic flight for a personal flight. At that point, I would rather pay for a ticket, earn the miles (+ bonuses) and use miles to upgrade.

For example, my girlfrien and I will be travelling to Zurich for vacation (and to say hi to Rudi) in March. My $445 ticket earns me 30,000+ miles (10,000 from NY, 10,000 elite bonus, 10,000 other bonus). At 2 cents a mile, I have earned $600 worth of value by paying $445 -- not a bad return on my investment. Of course, I am using my miles to upgrade. So net, I am paying $445 + 10,000 miles (40,000 award - 30,000 earned). So for a business class ticket, I am paying $645 for a business class ticket. Again -- I am not complaining.

Everyone values their miles differently. For me, I value them in upgrades. (Personally, I am waiting for American's pilot situation to end since you *know* they will be offering enticements to bring people back - hello double or triple miles! 14,000 miles planned (excluding Zurich) between today and March 8. 14,000 actual, 14,000 elite, 14,000 bonus -- no complaint here)

--Jim