Originally Posted by tom911
When they first implemented those on UA, I found the best value was for short haul flights that didn't bring in a lot of miles to begin with, like SFO-SEA or SFO-LAS, which would ticket at $150-200 if you paid for it. I didn't miss getting the miles when they were so few to begin with (compared to a transcon), so I did continue to volunteer. I never seemed to have a problem with availability.
If I am delayed only a hour or two, I may not mind taking the free ticket on UA. IIRC, the free UA ticket can be ticketed in W,S,T classes. The regular UA saver ticket (25K miles) is more restricted than the free bump ticket. I would use the free ticket for a domestic RT that cost some $$. (like where my relatives live).
Last Christmas season, UA was offering 2 free tickets for taking another flight. The next available confirmed flight was 2 days later. If I was in Maui or Australia, I may have taken them up on the offer.
Not in OMA in winter. I would have to miss two days of work with no notice to my employer. No thanks.
In April 2001, I got $600 in UA vouchers for volunteering. Although the next protected flight was the next morning, I took the offer. I only paid $30 base for the ticket on priceline. (this was in my pre FT days)