United makes mile redemptions subject to supply and demand

United Continental will stop publishing charts showing the miles needed to obtain tickets through its frequent flyer program, allowing for a wider -- and more expensive -- range of prices. The move follows a similar decision by rival Delta in 2014 to scrap fixed tables in favor of dynamically pricing award tickets. The change allows a carrier to maximize revenue during peak travel periods. Southwest has adopted a similar approach for award travel. “Customers who can be flexible with their travel day and/or time will benefit significantly from this move to lower prices,” United said Friday. “For the busiest travel times of the year when demand is highest, there may be higher award prices than what people see today. United also said it will scrap booking fees of $25 to $75 for award tickets obtained less than 21 days before flight. The fees had varied based on the member’s elite status within the program, known as MileagePlus. The airline said it won’t increase any award prices before Nov. 15 and will begin depositing miles accrued from travel immediately in travellers’ accounts, down from the previous 48 hours after a flight. <br/>