It's been more than a year since I used a Dividend Miles award ticket. In the past I would order one or two certs to have on hand in case myself or someone else needed to travel on short notice. US now tells me that they no longer issue certificates, and in order to book an award reservation less than 14 days in advance I will be charged a $40.00 "processing fee" (translation - gouge), and if the reservation is for travel less than 3 days in advance the "processing fee" is $75.00. It's just another way of extracting more money from us. UA, NW & CO don't charge for last minute reservations, Delta, American, TWA will send you a cert so you can avoid paying a fee.

Once US started requiring a Sat night stay I effectively could not use my miles for a business trip, now I have to pay a fee and stay over a Sat night. What good is this program???????

I would appreciated any guidance from an experienced Dividend Miles member. Got any tips???

Thanks

You have succinctly stated my two biggest complaints about USAir's FF program.

The Saturday night requirement is just ridiculous. No doubt, it is an attempt to nail business travelers.

The abolishment of award certificates just makes no sense. I, too, used to like to keep them at home for last minute trips. Then, to charge a sliding scale fee for last minute usage, is gouging at its best.

It's funny, though, . . . since the Saturday night requirement was instituted, I have seen very little resistence to it.

Are we the only two persons who vehemently object to it.

It is surprising that few complain about the Sat night stay requirement. Even though US flys transcon,for me,in Florida, they are a North-South airline. I make frequent trips up and down the East Coast and if I need an award seat it would be for similar travel. Many times I am able to find a discounted seat with only a few days notice for around $200.00.

What happens if book more than 14 days in advance and don't make the trip can I then get a seat closer than 14 days without paying the fee using the already existing e-ticket? If this works, then using back to back awards may be a solution. What do you think?? Anybody else?? Please help.

Why not combine US and AA miles (you only need 1,000 AA miles to combine miles) and call AA to redeem for travel on AA or US awards under the AA award chart. At least you have a few more months to proceed that way. Still can't request a certificate in advance - but I don't think you need a Sat. night stay either!

The rules state a 21 day advance for an AA ticket using combined miles. It might however eliminate the Sat stay, but it still doesn't help with the short notice.