A prediction: In the next 6 months, there will be a "Frequent Flyer Panic", particularily affecting United Airlines. As people fear the airline's demise they will start burning through frequent flyer miles in fear they may be soon worthless. This will further hurt the airline's revenue, which will most likely lead to new restrictions on the use of miles, and possibly worse.

United is trying to avoid this by acting cool and offering double miles in hopes people will be be tempted to earn and not spend. Problem is, this is like printing more money to solve a financial crisis. Might work, might not! Too bad I don't have any vacation time at the momment, I for one am ready to spend... but dont say it too loudly.