US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Timing for Biz/First award tix

Last time I tried to buy award tix to Paris, it was about 8-10 weeks in advance. Nothing available in Envoy/First on the dates requested.

I want to go next year (September). I believe they open these seats up 330 days in advance, so my earliest opportunity is about now. However, once the ticket is issued (say Nov 15) it is good for a year, so I have precious little window after the initital date if my plans change. On the other hand, if I wait too long, they may be all gone.

Anyone have solid experience in this? Should I be making sure I book by, say, Jan 1 or might I reasonably wait until March or April.
And does it make a difference whether I book Envoy or First, since there are so few First seats available?

Thanks all.

While it is true there are only 6 F seats, and they may even go unavailable even if none of them are sold. With 36 J seats, your chances are usually better. I believe that Yield management reviews those seats for awards/upgrades on a progressive basis as the travel date gets near. So, just because a seat isn't available now doesn't mean one wouldn't open up as the trip gets closer.

Therefore, book your desired dates if they're available now. If you need to change later, you may find seats you want on other dates (for a change fee if you're not CP).

As September is the tail end of the peak Europe travel season, you may be okay. Pick off-peak days(Tue-Thu) for improved chances.

I got two envoy class tickets for mid-November departure in about mid-July. This was a Friday night departure.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PHL:
[B]
Therefore, book your desired dates if they're available now. If you need to change later, you may find seats you want on other dates (for a change fee if you're not CP).
B]</font>

Wait... if your CP you don't have to pay the $100 change fee, ever?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bfunkjeep:
Wait... if your CP you don't have to pay the $100 change fee, ever?</font>

Fees for redepositing an award ticket are waived for CPs; not the change fee for nonrefundable tix.



[This message has been edited by Arrzee (edited 11-13-2002).]