Times are uncertain and the airlines are suffering as a result.

Bookings are down, and there appears to be little hope of a significant upturn, at least not until the question of an impending war is resolved.

What better time to fully leverage the power of frequent flyer programs?

To alleviate travel worries, especially as they relate to international award travel, and to promote a feeling of goodwill, Inside Flyer is asking all frequent flyer programs to consider waiving award cancellation fees as well as re-deposit fees for cancelled awards over the next three months.

It is estimated that over one million travel awards are booked each month. If members scheduled to travel on an award have their travel plans interrupted or canceled because of a pending or actual war in the Middle East, they should be secure in the knowledge that the programs are sensitive to the situation and will take care of them.

While it may be that these programs could handle these situations on a case-by-case basis, a cooperative show of positive member service would do the industry and programs well.

These fees currently vary by program and range from $30-100.