Airline miles suck compared to Capitol One. we were AA FF for years. Every time we tried to book, they would route us from Colorado to N.Y., Philly, or some out of the way airport, long layovers and the direct flights were always available for cash, but not with miles, or the the mileage .increases exponentially to get a direct flight. Cap 1, book your own ticket on your terms and Cap 1 reimburses the flight, easy peasy.