I was booking a flight for a friend STL-IAH Oct 11 (wanted it to be before noon) and I see standard awards available at 25k, but errors on check out. I called and they say the flight is full, but I literally booked it for 381$ afterwards for my friend and got a seat.

Am I wrong that being 1K with both UA Credit Cards, that there are no "blackout" days? Is it because it is for a friend that has no status?

Sorry to make a new thread, I searched but did not come up with much relevant information.