Thanks for the help KVS and others.

I obviously need to do some more self-training. I didn't know about the MAX option and still don't know what it means actually. I was actually trying to book a business class ticket using routing of either CLT-MUC-FCO on LH (first choice) or CLT-PHL-FCO on US (second choice).

I am a CP with US so I do see some other seat options available on US apparently.

When I use the US site, and use my preferred dates of 10/16 to 10/23 I see:

Standard coach awards available (50k each way, 100k total)
Standard envoy awards availble (80k each way, 160k total)

So I assume (and will read up to find out) that the utility does not show the standard awards since when I use it I get results that show no availability in business or coach on US?

But I do see availability in both coach and business on LH so that confuses me since I think both awards (US and LH) are the same mileage requirements.

[KVS Availability Tool 3.4.0/Platinum - SNT: Awards/StarAlliance/JP-ANA]

CLT Charlotte Douglas NC US [KCLT]
FCO Rome Fiumicino IT [LIRF]
FRI 16 Oct 2009 / 1 Seat

Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C Availability
--------- ------ ---- --------- ---- --------- ---- ---- -------------
US 718 CLT 14:35 FCO 08:45 +1 CHG FS/ CS- YS-


Sorry for the likely brain dead questions. I just need to research more than the help file I think.