WHY IS AWARD SPACE SO SCARCE?

How flexibility and an open mindset can unlock hidden rewards

- STORY BY JAKE JONES

IT'S A STORY I've heard one too many times. Picture this: You finally receive those big credit card sign-up bonuses and are eager to book your dream vacation that has been in the works for months. You've read up on how to book your business class flights and know how many points it'll cost for a five-night stay at that stunning resort you found on Instagram. You sit down to get everything booked...and much to your chagrin, there is no availability.

It's one thing to be cognizant of different airline partnerships and which loyalty programs offer the cheapest award pricing. However, it's a completely different story when it comes to those programs releasing award space for customers to book with their points. Unfortunately for all of us, finding award space isn't an exact science.

For example, airlines that operate fixed-price award charts may only release a specified number of award seats per flight. Some airlines limit the award seats they give to partner airlines to sell through their own loyalty programs. And hotels may be inclined to limit award space during popular travel times to maximize cash bookings.