When I booked my CLT-BOS-MUC-BOS-CLT, I made them do a hold for the actual period I needed until the day the seats officially opened. I was surprised they were able to do that. Before she did that, I asked the agent if I'd have to call every 3 days to renew the hold, and she said, "let me see what I can do for you". Of course I'm CP so that probably played in too.

JP