FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Help me use 130K Aeroplan Miles For Best Plane/Seat in J or F
Old Dec 20, 2013 | 11:27 am
  #17  
WindFlyer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: port broad reach
Programs: NorthSails® | Starboard | ION
Posts: 6,525
Originally Posted by ThreeA4Me
I found award availability on united.com for air china in J from LAX-MEL but it is not showing up on Aeroplan.com. Do I have to call them?
via Asia, i imagine?

My experience with complex itineraries/routings is that it's worth your while to a) do your research on possible routes/carriers to your intended destination(s); b) become familiar with the routing rules/restrictions for that destination (for example, does AE allow to route via Asia on the way to Australia?); c) research award space on as many award search tools as possible to cross-check availability (AE and UA are a good start, maybe add ANA), searching segment by segment on the basis of possible routes; d) once armed with a good solid itinerary you want to book, plus back-up flights, call an agent; you may have to play agent roulette until you get a worthwhile one, though I've been fortunate in that respect.

In answer to a previous questions you posted (post #7), if you fancy having someone else do all 'heavy lifting' for you (granted without as much care as you might put in but with some more savvy as to routings/availability patterns), there are a number of award booking services out there — usually the same bloggers that peddle all the credit-card signup offers, etc.
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