I don't see a lot of talk about Connectmiles awards here and previously I didn't really care, program was in it's infancy, I didn't have any miles, whatever.

Recently though after accruing some miles I started looking into awards. I've noticed some things and I'm wondering if any of you are experiencing the same things, or if there's been any workarounds yet, like simply calling the call center?

1) I've seen CM awards when they didn't show up on Aeroplan. Of course that's a good thing, it's kinda to be expected too, only these were at like saver rates too. I was looking for a very last minute CUZ-MDE one way and found nothing on Aeroplan. Then found J class on Aeroplan for 35,000. Found a better routing on CM for 20,000.

2) I've probably searched...10 random things via the Copa search engine. Using the "All airlines" option and I swear, I've NEVER come up with anything. Other times I've searched knowing there's space via Expertflyer and/or Aeroplan and I've come up with a hit here or there on like 1-2 individual segments I've searched. It seems like either the actual award space available to CM is garbage, or their search engine is.

3) Anyone had any success booking awards that aren't on CM metal? Did you search space on Expertflyer or something and call in the flights? Success rate?

I don't mind the programs being a bit limited, but star alliance has fairly good award space availability but what good is it if you can't access any of it?