Originally Posted by goldengatecruisers

Just to close out this thread I thought I would post this update. I did manage to speak with a very helpful and knowledgable person at United who after much research found out that ANA keep these fares for their own booking system. UA can not book Premium Economy - the lowest Premium Economy is an E-Fare ticket and is not bookable through United. The seats show on ANA's website for the days that we attempted to book. United was only able to book economy class.
UA continues to tighten the screws and insist you fly their terrible economy service in order to re-qualify for 1K status for next year. At my current rate of almost 50,000 PQM and $2400 PQD I am on target to fly over 200,000 miles to make 1K.
The dilemma is wanting to fly and experience this ANA product across the Pacific but not able to book through UA and get PQD. Sure I can book through ANA and get PQM but its the dollars that are becoming more and more important. Yet another disappointing outcome of the newly introduced PQD program.
Makes me wonder how long before I switch to American where I can purchase CX Premium Economy to Asia (arguably the best 'economy' type product out there) and still earn on AA. The UA product across the Pacific is just so inferior especially when I have to route through San Francisco on the sub par 747 in economy.