Need help maximizing my MR points for domestic flights

[CarbonCard]

So me and my friend is flying to Chicago this spring break (Yeah I know it's "spring break" and Chicago is freezing right now lol) around March 26 or later and will be returning to LAX/SNA/LGB 4 days later. How can I maximize redeeming my MR points? I'm new to this whole flying with points thing..

Thanks!

BTW, I don't have the points yet, but I'm almost done with the spending requirement; I'm thinking of calling amex to advance at least half of the points (50k)

EDIT: What I'm thinking is transferring my MR points to Elevate points even though it's 2:1 (Elevate points valued at 0.022?) Should I? Or is there a much better deal out there?

[Anonymous]

check jetblue's and virgin america's point rates. even though the point conversion rate with jetblue is only 5 to 4, they ar eusually still the better deal. virgin america's destination list is small, but their tickets are also usually pretty low on point costs 

[CarbonCard]

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@Anonymous wrote:

check jetblue's and virgin america's point rates. even though the point conversion rate with jetblue is only 5 to 4, they ar eusually still the better deal. virgin america's destination list is small, but their tickets are also usually pretty low on point costs 

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Unfortunately, JetBlue doesn't fly from LAX/LGB to Chicago..

[longtimelurker]

BA Avios can be very good for short-haul domestic flights (for use on American)   However, if you are going at a busy time, award seats might be harder to find

(And no idea if AA flies that route!)

[mongstradamus]

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@longtimelurker wrote:

BA Avios can be very good for short-haul domestic flights (for use on American)   However, if you are going at a busy time, award seats might be harder to find

(And no idea if AA flies that route!)

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i believe lax-ord they have non stop on AA or us airways. Finding availibility may be an issue, btw its 20k RT econ from lax to chicago. 

[CarbonCard]

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@longtimelurker wrote:

BA Avios can be very good for short-haul domestic flights (for use on American)   However, if you are going at a busy time, award seats might be harder to find

(And no idea if AA flies that route!)

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Luckily, they have that route!

EDIT: Damn, 40k Avios points roundtrip for 2! That's a deal! Am I doing it wrong? lol

Now how do I tell amex I need my points in advance?