I just want to add a datapoint to add to the point of the necessity of "hang up and call again". I planned to book a F Award Redemption with AA on CX going from CTU-HKG-JFK for two weeks from now. I had the routing and specific flights already setup as I searched BA for business class with KA and then F on CX. I called yesterday, nothing available. I called today, nothing available. Then ten minutes after today's first call, I call again and have success. (the call only took ten minutes too a record timing)!!!!

This happens more times than not. It is quite frustrating. Especially, now I have to hear that I can't bring hazardous material on the plane (Who knew?). Also getting the phone prompts right really saves time! 1) Award Reservation - 2) New Reservations - make sure that you say: (Intl Origin/Destination) City Name, Country and airport code if there is more than one airport. I never understand the necessity of the prompts anyway, because I still have to repeat all the info anyway. Perhaps to discourage individuals from booking over the phone?