It appears that CO has zero'ed out fares less than V for future flights for next year. It appears that either revenue management is holding back the seats in hope of selling the seats later at higher fares - OR something else IS IN THE WORKS.

When I look at many seat maps for early next year (winter flights) the flights are almost empty. Now one can say - many do not reserve seats in advance - but when the flights are empty - that means regular FFs are not booked either. At this point it makes no sense to book a ticket for early next year (or any time next year). Something is going on. The fares quoted for next year will be available for next year since they are high and the seats are empty.

Maybe there is consolidation in the works - and CO does not want to be in the position of selling cheap seats. This does means though that if you are flexible on times - you likely we get some real bargins after the first of the year.