I just logged onto the ESO beta site for the promotion that was postponed from Tuesday. I tried to book an unrestricted fare and even though I checked all the appropriate boxes, the system gave me a T fare. I called the ESO service desk and was assisted by a very nice person who was able to duplicate the problem and said they'll look into fixing it. I got the impression there are still other bugs besides this one to work out so I doubt we'll be seeing the new site activated for public use anytime soon. I just hope it gave me my 7,000 bonus miles!

For being such a lame site with such few useful features, this thing sure does have an inordinate number of bugs.

For awhile it seemed like getting through on a radio contest at the point between looking at options and actually purchasing. I must've hit Refresh a hundred times to get past the "system busy" messages.

Looks like they've prettied up the user interface (i.e. shell) but are still running on top of the MS Travel Technologies engine (same one Expedia and a number of other airline sites use).

The survey also didn't have room for verbatims, and I think they lose valuable feedback because of that.

I think they may have to back off putting the mileage data in such a prominent position if they see more bookings made for the purpose of maximizing miles as a result. I think the official line is that the airlines still very much hate this practice.

And what about being able to use coupons or certificates that would adjust the fare down? No progress there, it seems. We're still in the age of paper-certificates-for-paper-tickets-only on some deals. I had to forgo using one for $25 that would have applied to the ticket I bought today to meet the conditions for the big mile bonus. So much for getting the lowest price online...

I have tried to use the Beta site several times and have never been able to make it work. Even with the bonus miles they offer, it's just less frustrating to use the old site.

I used it "successfully" on Thursday. Does anyone know when the 7000 miles post? I hope it isn't after the flight as I booked an August departure.