This is something I've noticed consistently over the last since I've started getting more into award tickets and maximizing value. I first saw it when trying to piece together an itinerary for my wife and myself from the US to Italy, but I continue to see it fairly regularly on domestic tickets also (side note: I know most dread the thought of using miles for domestic tickets, but I can regularly get 2 complete domestic r/t's with 22k ANA miles, for an average of about 4 cents/mile. Rant done )
So when looking at the award calendar of United, I find that it often is inaccurate, but in a way that actually benefits us. Somewhat often the calendar may show as white background (ie no low level award space) or dark blue (only business class low level space), when in fact there is award space available. Just tonight while search, I saw the following:
Clearly showing no low level space on Friday Aug 1
Checking the results though and there are 2 connecting flights with low level economy. Granted in this particular case, they're not that great of flights, but this isn't always the case.
And yes, I've actually gone through and booked these one, so they are not just "phantom" space. I've booked both with United miles (for the Italy itinerary) and with ANA miles (so their partners see the space also). So next time the calendar says no availability, take the extra 5 seconds and scan the actual flights.
Additional info: I'm a United Platinum and I wasn't signed into my account, so they are not awards that would only be available to premiers/CC holders. In fact, there are 6 low level awards available SFO-MCI
and 9 on the MCI-ORD
So when looking at the award calendar of United, I find that it often is inaccurate, but in a way that actually benefits us. Somewhat often the calendar may show as white background (ie no low level award space) or dark blue (only business class low level space), when in fact there is award space available. Just tonight while search, I saw the following:
Clearly showing no low level space on Friday Aug 1
Checking the results though and there are 2 connecting flights with low level economy. Granted in this particular case, they're not that great of flights, but this isn't always the case.
And yes, I've actually gone through and booked these one, so they are not just "phantom" space. I've booked both with United miles (for the Italy itinerary) and with ANA miles (so their partners see the space also). So next time the calendar says no availability, take the extra 5 seconds and scan the actual flights.
Additional info: I'm a United Platinum and I wasn't signed into my account, so they are not awards that would only be available to premiers/CC holders. In fact, there are 6 low level awards available SFO-MCI
and 9 on the MCI-ORD