Sandy

I'm going on a cruise next July and was able to book the 1st class return flight on United - London to LAX, so they took the miles out of my FF account. I'm waitlisted for the departure flight - LAX to London - because United hasn't put FF seats into inventory yet. Not one seat on the plane has been taken as yet. What chance do I have that United<BR>will let 2 1st class FF seats go into inventory... now that they are in trouble. They let me waitlist for 3 separate days, same non-stop flight. Should I consider an alternate route where I am required to stop 3 times or should I wait it out? Any input would be helpful. If anyone works for United and has a feel for what they are doing with FF inventory, it would also be helpful. Thanks... Sandy<BR>

gail

I am a little confused about what you mean putting FF miles into inventory. As comparison, we just booked flights, redeemed 200,000 miles for 4 first class tickets on USAirways for August 2003 travel.

Rocky

Every airline is different in its reatment of FF mile distribution.It may also vary by destination,date,flight,whatever.Thats why the previous poster was successful with her FF mile reservations.Wait or choose alternate routes--thats up to you.How important is FirstClass travel?IMHO, if that is your top priority,go with what you can lock up now.A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Sandy

To Gail... there are so many seats in 1st, business &amp; economy. Airlines have the option of deciding how many of those seats can be &quot;purchased&quot; with FF miles. If they think they can actually sell those seats, they'll wait before allowing FF miles to purchase them. Perhaps your destination isn't a problem with USAirways. United is in trouble financially, so have good reason to try and sell seats rather than offer them up to FF miles. <BR>To Rocky... wait or choose now is exactly my dilemma! If I choose now, I make 2 stops. If I wait, I make no stops or perhpas get stuck in business class on the way to Europe, although I've had to turn in 100,000 miles because I'm returning in 1st class. Oh me, oh my! Anyone know what United does with its inventory and how long they wait to try to sell the seats, before allowing them to go to FF miles? My husband and I are the only passengers on the waitlist for a flight that isn't until July 2003! Thanks

Rocky

Sandy<BR>My point was , the call is yours.It seems to me that your priority is going FirstClass.So I was saying choose the 2-stop route NOW.But if non-stop is your priority,then wait.Relax--United doesnt even know how they decide to release the seats for Frequent Flier Seats.And there are just too many variables.Yes I know when you call United you will get &quot;an answer&quot;.Let me tell you--its just an agent wanting to get YOU off the phone.Been there done that.