Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS, BWI, DCA, IAD
Programs: American, Delta, JetBlue, United
Posts: 2,046
You don't indicate your origin and destination, so it's difficult to be specific. In general, however, the possible routes would be the same but the availability for award travel might well be more limited. In addition, award travel on UA itself and on some of its partners (LX, OS) may not be made available as far in advance as paid travel is. I have been looking for flights next summer from WAS to Germany or Austria; transatlantic flights on LH and AC are available for award booking, but not those on UA or other partners.
When the time comes, I would book the award seats first. It's harder to find award seats than it is to buy a ticket.