Originally Posted by
trflyer
Sam and Kathy and others,
Thanks for answering the question about DEQM applying to existing bookings. This greatly eases the problem of when to book-booking early will not have the risk of missing out on DEQMs.
Now, given travel flexibility, we are only left to guess timing. Historically, posters have said the economic DEQM's were in the Fall and last year's competitive promotion was in late Spring... on that basis, a 2009 economic promotion would be later in the year. Of course, a competitive response could happen anytime.
of course, this is just more gazing at crystal balls....
But.... what happened in prior years is no guarantee of what will happen in the future. UA could make the DEQM offer apply ONLY to new bookings if they choose. I'm not saying they will, though!
I'm guessing it could be earlier in the year rather than later mainly because of the unprecedented economic mess the country (and world) is in. Historically, early Nov. - mid-Dec. had slower bookings than summer/early fall, so the registration fee and additional bookings brought UA extra cash during a normally slow period. But this year is a whole new ballgame. @:-)