Originally Posted by Boraxo
Joe is right about the programs not allocating enough seats to cover redemptions. This is clear from the increasing # of complaints posted on FT regarding the lack of award inventory for popular routes at peak times. But Joe's prognosis and recommendations are a little off.
Clearly, airlines are selling FF miles faster than the German government printed DMs after WWI. The result is inevitable: the "price" of tickets purchased with miles is bound to go up. Hence, saving miles for your retirement is not a brilliant strategy if you are looking to get the most $/mile.
The solution, however, is not to cash in miles for worthless magazine subscriptions or more tangible items valued at 1 cent per mile or less. Rather, it is to use miles to book upgrades or free F & C seats on international itineraries. And to book as far in advance as possible to secure your ticket (or as short as possible, if that is feasible).
Joe may be right about the limited number of available reward seats at peak times. However, this is a function of supply and demand. I also had to PAY a relatively high fare during the Christmas holidays to get a ticket. Fares are going up; capacity is going down. FF Award (saver) are valued below the lowest fare tickets. Therefore, availability at peak times will be severely limited.
The solution: schedule your trip at an off-peak time or day to maximize the use of your miles or spring for the non-restricted awards.