"OccasionalFlyer"

In that regard, does anyone have comments on Air Canada versus other
carriers like United, American, or Delta? Thanks.


Delta miles and schedules are structured to effectively make it impossible
to get a 25k award. OTOH, you could try a trip to BLI (Bellingham,
Washington) and then shuttle to Vancouver. Delta also has a 'pay with
miles' program that is available for many itineraries, but it may be tied in
with the Skymiles AMEX card...I cannot remember. You can find out by doing
a standard booking for your flight. It will tell you as you select your
flights and times the price and if 'pay with miles' is an option.

Have you checked to see if Alaska Airlines will take Skymiles? They serve
LAX-YVR and claim to be a partner airline to Delta.

No comment on AA.

Another excellent resource here is www.flyertalk.com .