Over the years I have found that calling UA MP works best rather than using the website, especially if you want to fly on a partner airline. If you have some idea on airlines and routings that sometimes helps. And if all they offer you at first is on UA I ask if there is anything available on the partners. Some agents are more helpful than others. However, having said that, the new UA C and F products are quite good, especially compared to the old ones. So if they are flying a 747 or 767 on the route you want you should end up with the new seats. The 777s are being converted very slowly.

It also helps to have flexible dates. Typically calling 330 days out from your travel date also helps as award seats can disappear quickly on popular routes. Sometimes seats will come available closer to your travel dates as well but there's no guarantee.

Using a free tool like Award Nexus http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ard-nexus.html can also help you track down available seats.

Good luck!