I've got a generic question that I'm sure is probably in the wrong forum, but I'll give it a shot anyway.

Summary:

EF seems to show award seats available on flights that AA.com/AA via phone is saying are NOT available. However, on different days, where EF still shows award seats, AA agrees that they are available.

Why does there seem to be a disconnect between EF's account of award seats and what AA shows? EF's accounting of Qantas and Air Tahiti Nui matches exactly with AA availability.


My Example:

I'm trying to book 2 business class tickets from the west-coast (for flexibility) to Auckland. AA has a flight available on HA 11 and HA 445 on 2/17 using their system (I also called over the phone to confirm). Expert Flyer shows first class award available on those flights. EF also shows the same first-upgrade + award 7 seats on 2/12/14, but AA.com and AA over the phone doesn't acknowledge these seats are available despite what AA says. What's the deal? EF seems to agree with their 2/17 availability, but shows far more flights with open first class seats (for awards) earlier in the month.

Moreover, two days ago, I saw tons of 62.5K award tickets on HA through HNL to AKL. Is this just their system releasing seats and taking them back through the week?