@FortFun: I have been a FF for the past 25 years. That is an certainly old-school way have handling fares. I have paid $300 for a HNL-SFO ticket! Maybe I just pick the routes that are more competetive now for last minute travel.

@choster: I agree that the seat map is not accurate. But, it is usually close to within 10% of the total load. I use the seat map all the time to determine the best flights to pick.

I frequently will go somewhere last minute (within a 7-day advance) if I can find a cheap fare. If not, I don't go.