[Squantum]

I've used miles. Booking far in advance is important. Catlinye is right -- most airline websites now list what dates are available for miles usage. Also, if you have a LOT of miles, most airlines now have a "premium" award -- they charge you twice as many miles as the "standard" or "economy" reward. Could be worth it, depending how many miles you have, how much you paid for them (ie did you accumulate them thru trips you paid for yourself, or through CC points or business trips), and how much the trip would cost otherwise.