Through October 19, for travel between January 10 and April 30, 2010, United is offering roundtrip awards in the U.S. and between the U.S. and Canada for just 20,000 miles instead of the usual 25,000.

The offer applies to flights on United and United Express only, no partners, and the award must be booked online. April 1, 2, and 5 are blacked out for this discount.

A pretty sure sign that the airline is seeing light bookings for the start of next year, at least after the busy leisure travel holiday season ends.