I think UA does this too, but what really bugs me about NWAs site is that you cant like look at what awards are available unless you have the miles in your account! I know I will soon (waiting on a promo) but since I do not yet have enough, I can see NOTHING!

AA lets you see awards as they exist.

UAs site stinks in my opinion, but at least you can redeem some things.

NW sometimes does not have it, but I find if you book a NW award from miles on one of their partners, you can get the award! It's as if their partners have better inventory sometimes! AND, if you call NWA, sure you have to pay the $15 booking fee but the phone service ALSO often has more flight options for award bookings than the web site does. Go figure.

Anyway, Good luck. I have yet to book some awards as well and who knows what will happen.

MM

PS: I have noticed a few things I do a lot got slower. One is that when you go to pump gas these days, it seems to take a lot longer to authorize the pump. Does not have much to do with flying but what a frustrating thing that is. I used my NW visa to get gas tonight so um, that's why it's on my mind. Maybe it's the NW gods?