Southwest reissues Awards so if I really want to go somewhere, I could spend 50.00 and get an Award reissued:

Q: If I am unable to use my Award within 12 months, is it possible to have my Award reissued?
A: Yes, an Award may be reissued for a $50 fee. You can simply mail an informal note including the expiration date and certificate numbers of the Award(s) you would like to have reissued, along with your account number and a check or money order for the appropriate amount to:

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
P.O. Box 972739
Dallas, TX 75397-2739

Please allow 4-6 weeks to process your request. Awards are reissued with a new, 12-month validity period that begins on the date that the request is processed. Only requests from the original Member who earned the Award will be considered.

ATA is not as accomodating:

Awards must be ticketed for a selected ATA scheduled flight before the expiration date of the Travel Awards Points. No extensions are permitted. Travel Awards Points expire twelve (12) months from the date earned.

Hell’s Bells!