I'm hoping to use some of my MP miles to fly one or two of my trips to HKG next year on international saver awards, hopefully XF. As UA typically allocates only a tiny few number of XC and XF seats in advance, and my trips are scheduled within less than 330 days, I will likely have to waitlist on at least one of the segments. This past summer, I was able to clear an XF waitlist, but I suppose it has a lot to do with the SARS scare at that time. I understand that the waitlist for saver awards and that for upgrade is entirely different. As such, I wonder how is your experience in getting an international saver award waitlist to clear as an MP elite member? Any strategy to share?

Thanks much in advance.