I think this is a "phantom" award issue.

I just got of the phone with UA (20+ minutes wait to get someone in Bangalore).

After giving him specific flight information -- 2 travellers, United First Saver Award (35K miles each + $2.50), LAX-IAD on 31 December -- he asked for my Mileage Plus number and password.

Seriously, he asked for my password so he could "check the website" because he was showing no availability.

I refused and said that there have been 5 seats in First (777 three class) for several days, and each time I have tried to book over the last 3 days there has been Saver Availability. He told me the website hadn't been updated, which I said was preposterous -- how can they run an airline if the website doesn't update immediately when seats are sold?

Anyway, I told him this was unacceptable -- but if he was showing no saver award availability on that flight then that was probably correct and I'll find some other flight.

United's website is really broken. Really, really, broken.