Close-In Booking Fee
An additional cash fee some programs charge for awards booked within 14-21 days of departure.
Full definition
United charges $75 for close-in award bookings (within 21 days of departure). American charges $75 within 21 days. Aeroplan charges $50 CAD within 22 days. Status members typically get these fees waived.
Strategy: book speculative awards early if possible, or accept the fee as the cost of late flexibility.
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