tedhl, did you try a second agent? I just tallked to a Marco Polo staff and asked about an award ticket possibility in early Feb. and also asked if I would need to pay for a ticket two months ahead. The answer was no.

She also surprised me -- pleasantly -- that they have also changed the award ticket issue system and no longer require that I fill in a form and fax it. She said I can do all the arrangements over the phone and the ticket will be issued when the deadline comes. This is very nice

I could not get a seat on the desired date, though.