Just received this from AA, we all knew it was coming, new rules for FF miles. Starting Oct. 1st.

AAdvantage And Upgrade Award Changes
Beginning October 1, 2008, mileage levels will be changing for select AAdvantage® award tickets and upgrade awards. This change will not impact the 25,000 mile domestic economy MileSAAverSM award. Members may book and ticket any of the current awards through September 30, 2008. On October 1, 2008, the new award structure will apply.

Also effective October 1, 2008, a nonrefundable co-payment of $150 will be required to claim upgrade awards used with most discount economy fares when traveling between North America and Colombia, Ecuador, Peru or Venezuela.

Effective June 21, 2008, a $5 USD Award Processing Fee applies per person to award reservations ticketed via AA.com. AAdvantage Executive Platinum members using miles from their own account and members subject to AAdvantage Award Fees are exempt from the Award Processing Fee.

Yikes! Not a good sign. I don't like user fees on loyalty travel as why punish those that helped your revenue base in the first place.
Pat

Actually, the award mileage increases were not as bad as I was expecting. South America, Europe, and Asia 1 business went from 90k to 100k. India/Middle East economy goes from 75k to 90k. Our next big award booking, which will be to Asia 2, did not change, which I was happy about.

Dena

So what else is new?

I have not been able to use an American award mile in over 8 years. Whenever I try, even months ahead of time, it's impossible.