I was getting pretty upset at the Value Miles Program, especially since they started charging me an annual fee 3 years ago and after the recent "enhancements" that they made.

But I'm now at the point of cashing out and canceling my 1st USA card altogether after a couple of redemption attempts in the last few months. Back in November, I tried to redeem some points for a domestic ticket. Even though the flight was wide open (and the fare was only $350), Value Miles could not issue me a ticket because the booking class (B) was already sold out. Just now, I tried to book another ticket for early March, and was told that I must set it up for immediate ticketeting - otherwise the seat could be gone. I informed the agent that nowadays, airlines give you a 24-hour courtesy hold (I think as part of the customer's bill of rights or something that was passed in congress?). The flights that I wanted to travel on were on Continental, and CO's policy goes further than that - guaranteeing the reservation AND the fare for 24 hours.

I then spoke to her supervisor, and she too informed me that it's the policy of Value Miles not to have such holds on reservations.

Is this ridiculous or what? Value Miles buys the ticket directly from the airline, and once the reservation has been made on my behalf (on Continental), there should be a 24-hour hold period. Why can't Value Miles extend that same courtesy to me? Instead, they had to threaten me that seats may not be guaranteed?