Airline revenue management is a mystery to everyone and sometimes the way airlines price tickets is ridiculous, but on the other hand, there can be incredible opportunities if you know how to use the fare rules to your advantage and increase the earning of your miles. When it comes to award space and availability, it works a little bit differently than with revenue availability – however the two types are closely connected.
Airlines Open Award Space If The Seat Won’t Sell
Some airline systems are largely outdated and some are incredibly modern – when it comes to revenue management and prediction of flight loads, you can bet that airlines are investing more money in these systems instead of a system that manages customer service, for example.
The number one reason why airlines open up award space and release award availability is if they think the seat won’t sell with cash – otherwise why would they give it away for free? Of course, there is more to this in that they also want to reward loyal flyers, etc., but in general if the airline thinks the seat won’t sell, they might as well get some miles for it.
Some Airlines Guarantee Award Availability
There are a few airlines that guarantee award availability – like British Airways, for example. I applaud these airlines because they are giving loyal flyers another reason to stick with that airline and frequent flyer program.
When an airline guarantees award availability, most of the time that availability will be there when the flight schedule and calendar opens up – however, it is very possible that their “guaranteed” award seats are released in intervals. However, if an airline is guaranteeing award space, in 99% of the cases, more award space will open up later.
Revenue-Based Frequent Flyer Programs
Revenue-based frequent flyer programs work a bit differently because the cost of a ticket in miles is closely tied to the cost of the ticket in cash – so when the cash price goes up, so does the price in miles. These programs still do have traditional award space, but in most cases that is reserved for partner frequent flyer programs. With a revenue-based frequent flyer program, do not expect to get any amazing value from your miles since the cash to miles aspect is basically married.
Myth: Awards Available When Calendar Opens
People often believe that when the calendar and schedule for a flight opens up, that there will be award space instantly available – this is not true. Sure, it may happen, but it does not always happen and it isn’t guaranteed to happen. You’ll see people saying they are ready to book 11 months prior to departure when the schedule opens up and that’s great, but in some cases that isn’t the best time to book since you’ll probably find a better deal later.
Airlines that guarantee award availability could release it when the calendar opens up and/or later down the line.
When Do Airlines Open Award Space?
Every airline has a different pattern when it comes to releasing award space, and these include:
- some airlines release award seats when the calendar opens and then not a lot later
- some airlines release award seats in batches – there might suddenly be a lot of award space
- lots of unsold seats are released as awards close to departure – especially in the premium cabins
- some airlines release award seats consistently throughout the year
- some airlines release award seats if the price on a flight drops
- some airlines release award seats randomly
This isn’t a complete list, but it does give you an idea what to expect – just remember that every airline is different. Most of the award availability of the major airlines has been studied and analyzed and published online – especially for travel in the premium cabins.
The bottom line is that most airlines do release award seats throughout the year – especially in Economy Class. However, you’ll find that some airlines have more award space than others on certain routes and this largely depends on the popularity of the route, seasonality, load factor, etc. The chances are good that some award space will show up on the flight you want to book (if it isn’t fully booked) and it is possible to make predictions if something will open up by looking at the revenue availability of a flight and considering other factors (holidays, timing, popularity, etc.).
If your desired award isn’t available but you need to make a trip happen, always lock in something that you are willing to fly and then later keep monitoring award space and should it open up, you are able to switch it without issue – especially considering the fact that lots of programs no longer charge change or cancel fees. Remember to have a diverse miles and points portfolio so if one airline doesn’t have award space you have other flight options.