Punki, I think you've cut exactly to the point of the initial post. I posted some other thoughts on this issue here.

What would I do in your scenario? I'd likely exchange the certs. However, doing that (even in the very reasonable "no harm/no foul" manner you presented) is very clearly against program rules. In my post, I talked of a similarly "reasonable" 1-to-1 exchange of soon-to-expire SWUs for longer-dated ones with colleagues.

Let's not forget that FT is a relatively small community of "truly extreme" flyers in the context of these programs. However, just for the sake of argument, note that if everyone in these programs (ie: not just FT members) utilized these types of "reasonable" exchanges, there would definitely be an impact on the program for all of us. I've done a good bit of consulting with consumer products companies, and loyalty programs, coupons, rebates etc. are always developed with certain "breakage" levels expected - people who won't utilize the offer. I don't know what United's #s are, but if every SWU were used it would definitely lead to less of them being issued (or restrictions added). If every SWU were used for int'l travel, even more so. And since this stuff is all capacity-controlled, every SWU "optimized" makes it just that much harder for me.

I believe the question is simply whether or not FlyerTalk will serve as a forum where these "reasonable, but clearly against program rules" exchanges will be allowed to take place. Seems logical to put it in front of the guy in charge!

So what if all exchanges against program rules were banned in CC? It may be overly pollyanna-ish of me, but in my short time here this community seems to be very strong and close. Wouldn't it be nice if people just posted "I'm going on a trip and need XXX" and whoever had extras would give them out (yes, I've seen that this sometimes happens already, but it seems the exception, not the rule)? Obviously, the ratio of success with these requests would depend highly on the contributions (both in certificates and in knowledge) made to the community by the requestors. As an example, if I had a complex itinerary and someone here helped me save a lot of money on it, I'd definitely be positively inclined to send an upgrade cert there way if I saw them posting. Unfortunately, I know this may be just way too naive, but a nice idea to think about in the holiday season nonetheless!

[This message has been edited by sfojfk1k (edited 12-31-2001).]