Quote Originally Posted by rastagirl777 View Post
Just a note to folks flying on American during their "hard times" (break out the tiniest violin, will ya?) - if you are planning on using frequent flyer miles be prepared for the royal screwing. AA always had the most liberal policies and lowest mileage counts for using miles - also the most seats and least blackout dates. Different story now, I'll bet on that. Expect way fewer mileage seats, especially in First and Business to be available. Personally, when I book for next winter I'm going to be doing four months out now as opposed to three (last year) or two (the year before).
Already ran into that problem with the American Airlines frequent flier miles. I used to be able to book decent flights for 12,500 miles each way, even the occasional NONSTOP, then it was 17,500 miles but in the last 2 weeks it has gotten crazy!! In Dec. 2011, I had a normal flight to NY via Miami for 17,500 miles plus tax ($56) & even was able to do a last minute change right before I left JA with no extra charges. Now if I want to use my miles, I have to take THREE planes instead of two and spend the night in Dallas or Memphis airports to arrive in NY as much as 24 hours later than when I leave Montego Bay. All of that to save $100 to $150??? Even looking 6 to 10 months ahead is not any better. I risk losing my title as Queen of the Cheap Flights to Paradise...