We have enough FF miles for free air fare. Tried to use them for our trip coming up in March. Booked 3 months in advance, but could not use
our miles except for late or early morning flights. So ended up just paying for our tickets so we could go at reasonable hours. Too darn old to do
the midnight flights anymore.
Anyone else have problems using there miles?
Plan on going to VEGAS in Dec. but really hate to make reservations now. But will probably have to ...to get what we consider decent flying times.

We have enough air miles thru Air Canada to fly to Vegas but didn't use them this trip.
I never read the fine print so it will be interesting to see what restrictions there are when we go to redeem some this fall for a trip to Toronto.

Guess they've tightened up on restrictions. I always got free flights from United. Used my last one a year ago. Never really had a problem booking. In fact when my Dad died I had just got home 2 days prior from visiting him in Vegas. I called United and they flew me out that night using my frequent miles.
What airline do you use?

No problems here with Air Canada, you can always get a flight, but the number of miles needed is higher for the attractive flights.

Their system changes constantly changes and you can check and need 50,000 miles for a flight, check 2 hours later and it goes back to 25,000. Sometimes you can get the better flights for less miles when you don't book in advance. It's enough to drive a person crazy.

Chmie, keep checking constantly and when you see what you want book it quick.

I love my Southwest program, even though they have tightened it up some. I can still fly any time, but just have to book a little more in advance.

The airlines have really tightened up on redeeming miles unless you are in the top of their programs. Plus they've shortened the time that miles expire.

I frequently buy a coach ticket and use the frequent flyer miles to upgrade to first class. This way you can get the flight you want. For a vacation it's quite a treat! Plus you get to go through the "elite" security line which is always shorter, quite a convenience.

I had about 60000 miles on U.S. Airways so every time I would fly to Vegas I would buy coach ticket and then use the miles to upgrade until I used them all up, since I don't want to fly that airline anymore. I now think I will switch to Virgin America since I enjoyed the flight so much. (see my other post).

My TWA/American miles expired.
My AmericaWorst/US Air miles expired.
My ATA miles expired, and the airline eliminated service from Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.
I have a gajillion NWA miles, but their restrictions make them virtually useless. And they keep upping the minimum miles needed to fly.
SWA is the only airline that seems to be treating me right.
Just joined United's program, flying them for the first time to Reno/Lake Tahoe next week. We'll see how this new relationship works.
I can't wait for VA to expand from being basically a Left-coast and trans-continental airline!