I've just had a frustrating two days trying to book an Air Canada Rouge award flight as part of a longer trip for my husband. A nonstop Toronto-San Diego flight shows available on united.com. Agents are unable to ticket it. They have opened tech tickets and sent the issue on to United IT. But today, I had an agent who persisted and found a March 27 notice. It says that Air Canada is moving some of its flights to Air Canada Rouge. United has no ticketing agreement with Air Canada Rouge even though United.com shows it as a partner. The website is showing award availability in error. There is no indication in the notice she received as to whether United expects to forge an agreement, thus allowing them to issue awards.

I am hoping that UA Insider will weigh in.