After waiting over 10 minutes it turns out that the system had the wrong OnePass number - they could do like AA and read out loud the FF number to confirm. I did entered the FF# using the keyboard, but who knows what happened on the other end!

Nevertheless, it clearly seems like the US-based desk only opens after a certain time (10AM EST?) since after all the waiting I've got a native speaker agent. After inquiring about the long wait got the *excuse* of summer travel and lack of staff... still on the phone after some 30 minutes waiting for the fare construction to price at another currency other than dollar.