What I usually do is try to schedule my return or outbound on a busy flight, that should they offer a bump won't affect my schedule. Typically I can pick up about $500-$1,000/month on United. Your status make s a big difference, because if multiple people offer, they approach you in the status order.

Also, if you taking a connecting flight that is always busy (i.e. Sacrmento SMF - DEN, DEN-DFW) Make sure there's a non-stop going there on another airline. Like AA's SMF-DFW. Last year, before I was 1K, I booked 3 flights to Dallas on a fare special UA had - +/- $500 r/t. The cheapest non-stop on AA was $1850. I would then look for the "bump" and get placed on the AA flight. I received $300 in compensation, still received credit for my UA flight AND received mileage credit on my AA flight.

I don't know about doing it "professionally" but if you can time it right - heck go for it.

My wife and I turned those vouchers into three first/biz class trips: New York, Hawaii and France - and with over 45K mileage plus miles from the trip for me and another 30K to her account, we can take ANOTHER award trip.

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Ken in Sacramento

[This message has been edited by TravelManKen (edited 02-02-2001).]