How Frequently Is Award Availability Adjusted?
 

I am holding an award I'd very much like to change to dates for which there is currently no availability, so I'm avidly monitoring ba.com to see if anything opens up.

Does anyone know whether award availability is:

- a) Completely dynamic, updated in real time;

- b) Updated daily;

- c) Updated several times daily;

- d) If b or c, at what times?

I'd appreciate any info on this, because checking the site repeatedly is a real bore. Thanks.

I don't know for sure, but I think it's probably (b), but at some time I've not pinned down yet. At least, this was my experience - I had a T class to DEL and was checking several times a day for availability to MFU. I was 6hrs behind in Dallas at the time. It wasn't there before midnight UK time (several checks idly during that day). It was there a few hours later - so I stayed up until midnight Dallas to call the EC at 6am sharp and grab it :D

I know it's a bore...but it's so worth it if it comes off! If it is (b) though and anyone can help pin down the time, that would be helpful to everyone. I suspect it'll be some weird early morning UK time.

I've seen it change during UK daytime, in the afternoon availability appeared which hadn't been there in the morning. My assumption at the moment is c)

Only checked 5 times yesterday :o

I think its completely dynamic (option a). Check out post 7 in this thread for my evidence: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=572310

I have been doing the same for the past few days seeking an earlier December departure date to MCO. Nothing changed in either direction - until today but only on the return leg. I have checked four times this morning - second time two new returns dates cropped up. Then an hour later ANOTHER TWO!!!!!

Seems to be it is entirely random as seats are cancelled, they are posted on the web. I know this doesn't really help but be comforted to know you are not alone!!! ;)

I think it's dynamic, at least with respect to award seats filling up.

I once snagged the last award seat available on a particular flight; five minutes after the call, I checked online and the date was no longer available.

I suspect it's a combination of a and c. Reducing availabily is done automatically and instantly when someone books. Releasing availabilty is either done on an an automated basis (quite what basis I have no idea) or when someone in BA yield management gets round to it.