Brancatelli Rumour?
Oct 22, 2007 | 1:22 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: MHT/BOS <--> World
Programs: AA Plat 2.8MM
Posts: 4,629
That is a devaluation in and of itself for those of us who can or need to plan in advance. 
Fortunately AA WN and others do not operate in this fashion.
However, I do not believe it is the norm for all routes - only selected ones where UA doesn't want to give up the freebies.
Fortunately AA WN and others do not operate in this fashion.However, I do not believe it is the norm for all routes - only selected ones where UA doesn't want to give up the freebies.
No program I have experience with does not open up a lot of seats over time. In many programs the most availability is 24 hours in advance. Of course the return can still be an issue.
Oct 22, 2007 | 1:52 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,854
Now that I have read the article, a few things strike me:
1) Contrary to what Joe states, airlines generally have NOT said that any seat on any flight is available for miles. There has always been an out.
2) Joe, makes it sound like he is such a huge genious in figuring this all out since he heard about it last week. I would really think it gentlemanly if he were to at least admit that the real experts, those on FT have been debating this for weeks.
3) I find it really spooky that they are citing the Nice flight during the Cannes folm fest as that is the example that I have used repeatedly over the years on FT when speaking about "real" capacity controls. Truth be told, no airline has ever really released seats unless they have had to for any sort of award no matter what is said, if it is on a time/route which is hugely oversubscribed for full whack premium travel. No one.
4) While Joe does talk about CO coming up with the "saver" option, truth be told, for most airlines this was only an innovation of the last decade, and for much of the decade before that all had blackout dates where you just simply couldn't fly with miles.
5) I am aainst any changes which are adverse to FF's, however I see this DL move as essentially just a codification of what already goes on.
1) Contrary to what Joe states, airlines generally have NOT said that any seat on any flight is available for miles. There has always been an out.
2) Joe, makes it sound like he is such a huge genious in figuring this all out since he heard about it last week. I would really think it gentlemanly if he were to at least admit that the real experts, those on FT have been debating this for weeks.
3) I find it really spooky that they are citing the Nice flight during the Cannes folm fest as that is the example that I have used repeatedly over the years on FT when speaking about "real" capacity controls. Truth be told, no airline has ever really released seats unless they have had to for any sort of award no matter what is said, if it is on a time/route which is hugely oversubscribed for full whack premium travel. No one.
4) While Joe does talk about CO coming up with the "saver" option, truth be told, for most airlines this was only an innovation of the last decade, and for much of the decade before that all had blackout dates where you just simply couldn't fly with miles.
5) I am aainst any changes which are adverse to FF's, however I see this DL move as essentially just a codification of what already goes on.
Oct 23, 2007 | 4:03 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: eastern Europe & NC
Posts: 4,528
Don't know about Joe's claims, although he may have a point, since Delta's change may just be the first step in a growing series of devaluations of miles.
But, IMHO, it does look as though, in the long run, miles are going to be worth a lot less, on any carrier. The best rule of miles appears to "burn, baby, burn." @:-) And, maybe it is time to search for a new, cash rebate card. No one can devalue the dollar!
But, IMHO, it does look as though, in the long run, miles are going to be worth a lot less, on any carrier. The best rule of miles appears to "burn, baby, burn." @:-) And, maybe it is time to search for a new, cash rebate card. No one can devalue the dollar!
Oct 23, 2007 | 8:33 pm
#34
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: united airlines
Posts: 4,967
This is absolutely correct. I am normally 
when people are posting that they are waiting for the award space to open up 330 days in advance.
Personally I have had very good run on premium awards in F cabin using UA miles booked at the very last minute i.e. 24 to 48 hrs in advance on SQ/LH/TG etc.
when people are posting that they are waiting for the award space to open up 330 days in advance. Personally I have had very good run on premium awards in F cabin using UA miles booked at the very last minute i.e. 24 to 48 hrs in advance on SQ/LH/TG etc.