In 2004 I flew NWA quite a bit for business. I have about 62,000 miles in my account. I have tried on numerous occasions over the last year to book award travel, however, no matter what I try to book there is NEVER any availability.

I have tried booking tickets several months out, short hops, partner airlines etc. and always have the same problems. I can't even get an upgrade, since I usually travel on lower fare tickets, there is no availability (I was a silver elite but am no longer). I feel like my miles are utterly useless. It's nice to earn them, but if you can't use them what good are they!

Today I tried to book a ticket on Hawaiian Air for an inter-island hop. Prior to calling NWA I called and checked avaialability with Hawaiian and was told the days I wanted to travel at the end of May were "wide open." When I called NWA they told me there was no availability on any flights that day, Hawaiian operates 10 flights a day between the two islands I wanted to fly to, yet not one single flight had a seat.

I called United, where I only have a few thousand miles and was able to book an award ticket for half the miles on Aloha air. They only operate 6 flights a day.

Long live UAL!