Originally Posted by The Lurker
Another option is to book the 30,000 mile awards, and then as the date draws nearer, check to see if more inventory has opended up. You can change the dates and connection cities for no fee. You can even ask at the airport when you check in on Sunday, and if there are seats available on another flight that will get you home, they will likely accomodate you on that flight.
Good point. I'm not sure how standby travel works for blackout dates or for other lower-point bookings. that could work out good if a contingency plan was set!
-JC