I am trying to book a flight from ORD-BKK, business or first saver in december, then maybe on the way back BKK-CHC-ORD, in jan, (should be free stop over right?). Anyway it's like the second leg that operated by thai airways is always in economy.

When I call they always tell me the same options that I can search myself on award travel website.

For example on the website it does not show any connecting flight from chicago to any city in USA such as ord-lax-icn-bkk. Just chicago then international destination then bangkok such as ord-nrt-bkk.

Can I ask them to search for route with all business class legs? Like ord-lax-nrt-bkk or ord-sfo-icn-bkk or ord-sea-yvr-nrt-bkk and possibilites go on..........

I mean I am going to pay for a booking fee after all. Or they do not allow connecting flight within the US that's why it is not showing up online?

Thanks!