"The good: You now have 24 months to use your reward tickets instead of only twelve. No blackout dates. So any credits you currently have in your account are now valid for an additional 12 months.

The bad: Now they will have seat restrictions. Awards issued before February 10, 2006 will have no seat restrictions, but are subject to published blackout dates. Awards issued on or after February 10, 2006 will have seat restrictions, but no systemwide blackout dates.

This is part of an email members of Rapid Rewards received

As of this instant, all Rapid Rewards credits are valid for a full 24 months. That's two solid years - instead of just 12 months - before any credits expire. So any credits you currently have in your account are now valid for an additional 12 months.

Think about it. The 24-month credit expiration makes it even easier to get Award travel. Get there faster by using our Preferred Partners. You've got 2 years to earn the 16 credits you need.

Seat Restrictions and No Blackout Dates on Award Travel

Beginning February 10, 2006, all Awards issued will have no systemwide blackout dates and will be subject to seat restrictions. Restricting the number of seats for Awards helps us maintain our low-fare leadership and keep the program lucrative for you.

* For more information - click on blue line above"