Originally Posted by
ORDnHKG
Because all those carriers you mentioned require connecting flights, if one flight open but not the connecting flight, it is not going to work, not unless you are willing to pay from your own pocket of overnight cost. It is hard to look for awards for the next day travel in the busy summer season. If not, UA could have rebooked you on XY SFO-PVG in the first place, rather than have to route it thru ORD.
NH SFO-NRT-PVG
AC SFO-YVR-PVG
OZ SFO-ICN-PVG
I am not sure but I think it is easier if you are on a XC or XF award.
But Shareholder was saying that even if there was no STAR award inventory, they could force one. (unless I misread his post)
There was a Air China flight from SFO - PEK then PEK - PVG that left later but she wouldn't get me on because she said there were no award seats available.