Are you a 1K? I just finished booking an award for my partner to join us on a US-SYD itin, and I have to tell you - it was a huge hassle. At one point I was holding three different itineraries for him for the same day - hoping one that matched my revenue ticket would come up.

We depart today, and everything finally came together yesterday. Even still, UA didn't automatically clear him to the waitlist on our flight - I did it by calling them after getting a seat alert from experflyer.

For US-Australia premium awards, you will need patience and a strong stomach.

-G