I love this thread because I thought I was just not understanding how to use the AA search function.
BNA to AGP: I can find a great flight out of ORD on Iberia to MAD. But it requires a 10 hour layover in ORD. So, I wonder, what if I start the trip from ORD? Suddenly, no saver inventory on that Iberia flight.
BNA to SCL: Saver award from BNA to DFW (overnight) to MIA to SCL. So, what if I try MIA to SCL? Suddenly, the seat on MIA-SCL evaporates and the only flight is back through DFW.
So I thought I was crazy. But, as you guys are telling me, I am not crazy. The search engine just makes it more difficult. Inventory exists on ORD to MAD, but only if you originate somewhere else. Inventory exists on MIA- SCL, but only if you go to DFW first. ETC.
Knowing that its not just my ignorance in searching actually helps diminish my expectations.
I've got the time to jump through the hoops, and if I have to sit in ORD for 10 hours to get a 'free' TATL in J, I will do it.