it is good to find and discuss solutions to these problems the airline majors are having. I still blame them though, because they sold miles and marketing schemas to all kinds of portals and it almost looks as though they did this knowing full well they have no intention on making good on the 'promises' of 'free' flights with said miles.

People who 'fall for' the vast array of marketing to the consumer and now wish to redeem for a free flight are finding it harder and harder to do so and the airlines keep coming up with excuses and blaming you and I for actually expecting to get a ticket to Vegas in high season or something like that. Well, that's what they are selling, so I say it either SHOULD be available or they should stop promoting it!

I would love it if the airlines would try to find whole new radical ways of handling this 'monster out of the cave' problem and to do it without having to impose further restrictions or fees on the very people they sell to. That's annoying and archaic. Time to move forward!

I had mentioned this in another thread and in no way do I think it's at all ironed out as an idea, but here's the rough of it:

Promote trading of awards. Make it so people who have miles on carrier X but find they could go to their destination on carrier Y have an easier method of doing this and it's considered OKAY by the industry as a part of business! That way, if you have enough miles to fly to some hot spot but there are no seats, instead of getting mad about it, you are directed to an alternative that may work for you and a friend, and the airline was the one who helped direct you. This could create some new form of loyalty and thusly generate more dollars for the airline who's say something like, "Well, I cant help you this time sir, but they can. Please remember that kind act I just did when you need to fly again, and consider flying with us. TY"

I dunno, it may have wheels... (and I hope my airlines of choice are watching this one!)
MM