We vacation in Europe pretty much every summer. I know your dilemma. If you want to use miles and/or secure seats and decent prices you need to be book early, especially for summer. I wouldn't think spring break should be that bad but maybe it is for using miles.
That said, on my euro deliveries I've always booked the plane tickets prior to submitting my orders. I've always received my first or second pickup dates which I always select as consecutive days. It's a gamble but with relative low risk it seems.
It's no difference this time. We got our tickets and are now awaiting the confirmation of pickup date
