Originally Posted by
Totoro
I can't speak about other airlines, but Continental does hold back a few reward seats for Elites. I've seen seats available when logged into my account that are not available to general members. I would not be surprised if other legacy airlines did the same. Please be aware of facts before making unfounded allegations.
This July I redeemed a ticket to YVR 1 day before I wanted to go. As a UA 1K, I had several options both ways on my choice dates. As a general member, there was nothing either way on my dates.
As a CO PLT, I have access to almost as many award seats as AA gives to everyone. As a CO general member, forget about high season travel on CO metal for the lower level to just about anywhere.
As an AA EXP, 9/10 of the seats available to me are also avaiallbe to everyone else. But because AA availability is generally superior, I have a very good shot at redemption, including well planned peak travel.
As a NW PLT, award avail is very good. Not so good for generarl member.
The point is that the ailrines do make a significant number of seats only available to their elites.