The moral allegations made by many are really not appropriate. The bottom line is that National has the ability to restrict the use of these codes and they are not. They have the ability to note on the reservation that any particular code requires and ID, a coupon, blue hair or whatever. They CHOSE not to put these restrictions on the reservations when these codes were used. They also CHOSE to note on some coupons that the physical coupon is required at the time of pickup so the ability is there.
There is no moral problem with attempting to use a code for a discount and if the system allows it, getting the deal. I see nothing slick about that. I've said before, National KNOWS that the internet exists and that there are people sharing codes. They have CHOSEN not to put these restrictions on the reservations so no one is getting anything over on them. They are ACTIVELY allowing it to happen - whether people are calling or not.
I agree with the poster who said the calls did not likely kill the code but instead the number of reservations made with it.
One more question - where is it documented which codes are for whom? I may be mistaken but I don't recall that all the codes listed in this thread were shown to be for use by specific people. I know one email indicated one was a 'complementary' code and could be used but that is vague language and does not say that it can only be used by xyz. One of the others was said to be only for the
travel agent employees but I don't remember if I saw any documentation at all.
So before the moral argument continues, I'd like to see PROOF from National that each of the codes were restricted and then how, and to whom. I know the codes are dead for new reservations but there are plenty of people who have existing reservatiosn with them.
I am, by the way, a seasoned traveler - I traveled for business for 9 years.