This is the seventh post in a monthlong series that started here. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete. I am writing this for an audience of people who know nothing about frequent flyer miles, and my goal is that by the end, you know enough to fly for free anywhere you want to go.
Where We Are and Where We’re Going
We’re in the section on redeeming miles.

What's so special about Etihad's route from London to Abu Dhabi?

Here's how to cancel an American Airlines award without paying the $150 fee to reinstate your miles and cancel the award.

Be an Executive Platinum canceling an award booked with miles from your account.

My US Airways miles have been transferred into my American Airlines account. This is a screenshot from my AAdvantage account.

My American Airlines mile balance shows the correct total.

I also applied for a new US Airways card last week and was approved. After I make my first purchase, and the statement closes in about a month, I should earn 50,000 bonus miles.

My US Airways miles have been transferred into my American Airlines account. This is a screenshot from my AAdvantage account.

My American Airlines mile balance shows the correct total.

I also applied for a new US Airways card last week and was approved. After I make my first purchase, and the statement closes in about a month, I should earn 50,000 bonus miles.

Update 3/24/15:

American Airlines has confirmed that the integration of AAdvantage and Dividend Miles will begin, though the process could take several days.

Tomorrow (3/25/15) is the last day you can book US Airways Dividend Miles awards.

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The reliable rumor is that American Airlines and US Airways plan to combine their mileage programs on March 28, which is this Saturday.

US Airways and American Airlines legally merged in December 2013.
They announced in October 2014 that the AAdvantage and Dividend Miles programs would combine in the second quarter (April 1 to June 30) of 2015.
They announced a few

I just booked myself a trip to Cuba with miles. One direction I am flying on a single award from the United States to Cuba. On the return, I am flying two awards: Cuba to Colombia and Colombia to the United States.

I used American Airlines, Asiana, and Lufthansa miles, all of which are easily available to Americans.
Can Americans Travel to Cuba?
Here is the State Department's page on visiting Cuba.

I am going to travel to Cuba on a general license as a journalist.

American Airlines updated the look of its award charts today with no update to actual award prices. (Here are expert predictions for the timing and extent of the next award chart changes from American Airlines.)

I liked the old charts better, especially the partner one where all prices could be displayed in one small image.

Now both the American Airlines chart and partner chart are spread across several pages.

Fiji Airways is releasing great award space for two passengers in economy from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji that you can book with American Airlines miles.

Fiji

Fiji Airways is releasing great award space for two passengers in economy from Los Angeles to Nadi, Fiji that you can book with American Airlines miles.

Fiji