Originally Posted by mooper

Is this the best example you could find of a situation where DL has less inventory than others?

First, you are citing 45K inventory, not 25K. DL Low/saver 25K inventory is available roughly 70% of days in January, with multiple options for most days. How's that compare to Star? Can't be much worse, if worse at all. For first class (45K) departures, you are correct that only 7 days are available in January (more in other months), but two-thirds of the month is available for returns. I don't think that's horrible, and given that you are cherry-picking an example where DL has less inventory (I may just as easily cherry-pick examples where DL has better inventory, such as traveling to most of the country in the coming week!), not shocking.

Second, you are comparing apples to oranges for a DL Medallion (GM+), who can book the 25K award and have a shot at one or more segments to be upgraded to first, free, at their regular window. PMs/DMs have a very good shot at being cleared. On Star, if you book for 25K, you are guaranteed coach.