Here's the other kicker, in another recent call to USAIR regarding my possible FUTURE trip using award travel (to avoid last min. fees):

I want to take my wife possibly to ASPEN, CO. in the winter. That's enough plan-time, right?

UAL goes there. If the two airlines have the partner gig in place then I may be able to use USAIR awards to fly to ASPEN and not just DENVER (from BOS). The plans for the partnership would include UAL and UAL Express flights which Aspen does involve, so it should work--when the partnership is ON.

We would go in the mid winter, say Feb Vaca, a rather busy period. Because it is busy, one would probably have to start thinking about booking that award one right about now. It may even already be too late.

BUT, I find that I cannot even set aside the booking and get any dates yet because the two airlines have not yet solidified all things and so I cannot book a flight to ASPEN using these USAIR award tickets.

So, the CS lady said they think it will all take affect early next quarter. Based on the idea of trying to plan ahead with award tickets, there is little or no chance there will even be any seats ON the plane if I try to use an award IN Feb and have to wait to use it til Jan, Feb or whatever just to set it all up.

She actually suggested that I book the BOS-DEN portion now and then opt to pay the fees that exist for restocking the miles and re-issuing the award if and when an ASPEN itin does open up for the airline or its partner where iI'd be using the awards!
I dont think so. Again, I will have to try another carrier. Many go just BOS-DEN.

And then, even though this period is still within the 20k low-season, we do not yet know if flying on a UAL plane with a US AIR award will then require 25k...

Oh well!
Next?!?