Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
Yes that is all correct. I think it's been like this for quite a while. The redemption itself isn't further restricted, they just open an A or D seat up, and turn into normal redemption codes.
So how to find out if A or D is available? ExpertFlyer is one way. The other way is to use the OneWorld.com Round the World planner, since that also books in A for First and D for CW.
D fares are generally available, so you were a bit unlucky there (in that the flight is full, or expected to be full). A is even more available, in my opinion.
So it is D and no other GGL redemption (or this other GGL redemption is not correct?)
Well it's those hard flights to get on a redemption, Male, SYD, etc... also hard to get on D.
Thanks for the very helpful comments