A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
If you're trying to fly ORD to AMS nonstop connecting to a KLM flight to Nairobi, I strongly suspect that's the TATL flight is operated by KLM and not DL. Hence there would be no D1 on the flight. There might be a problem with the way this is being booked. In particular, check whether an award ticket should be booked with the DL codeshare or KLM flight number.
My suggestion would be to first look for dates with low or classic award availability (probably fare class O is needed, but check this) on the KLM flight from AMS to Nairobi, perhaps on EF or using the FB website, presumably in business class. Then look for DL TATL itineraries from Chicago to AMS that are available in low; don't search segment by segment for this.
Finally call DL and ask them to put it together on an award ticket by first (this can be important) putting the KLM flight segment to Africa on the PNR and then adding the DL flights from Chicago to AMS. Sometimes partner award flights are easier to confirm if there's nothing else on the PNR at the time.