Hello again

Flyer talk Newbie Sheldon here again with another query.

Late next year I would like to do a first/business class redemptions as follows:

SYD/YYZ on UA (first class)/AC via LAX or SFO as well as
YYZ/BUE on AC Executive first direct service

Would appreciate knowing from you more experienced folk:

-how far in advance does one need to book to obtain such redemptions...at the Classic Reward levels?

-what advantages, if any, does having Elite status provide in trying to attain such bookings

any tips as to how to achieve such higher class redemptions would be greatly appreciated

thanks again

sheldonusa--the newbie to flyer talk