I'm having trouble booking partner awards. I booked through the call center two economy R/Ts from ORD-NRT on ANA. After several calls - and emails to validate passport details - the call center attempted to ticket the reservation. Was ultimately told 2 days later that ANA would not ticket the reservation, as they hold their award seats for their own members?

I later found two one way TPE-ORD tickets in business on Eva Air - confirmed availability on United website and the Air India call center was again able to see the flight and stated it was available. I've since made the payment for taxes but again the reservation still isn't ticketing and I'm told to call back in 2 days. Worried this is setting up for the same thing happening.

Have others experienced this level of difficulty in booking partner awards on Star Alliance carriers? Is there anything else I can do to further my chances of success?