Originally Posted by NDFan

I don't think 9W often make more award inventory available nearer flight time. It's over a year ago now, but last year I wanted to use a J award from DEL to LHR. At the time of booking, the only route available was DEL-MXP-LHR (with a tight conection) which I booked. I checked numerous times for availability on the direct DEL-LHR but they never made award inventory available, even on day of flight with the flight wide open.
Of course, DEL-MXP was running late so I just made the LHR flight. But my luggage didn't!

Happy Travels.