re: MSY to Europe Flights - help needed (May 24-Jun 2 window)

I agree it's not for everyone, and probably not worth it if you're only saving a small amount of money, but sometimes it's too much of savings to pass up.

For instance, I'm flying to Tokyo in May. A good flight out of MSY (1 stop) is going to run you upwards of $1700. I got a round trip flight (nonstop) out of LAX for $700 and am using my Southwest miles for a nonstop MSY to LAX.

That $1,000 of savings is totally worth the risk and possible inconvenience IMO.