What is worse about availability on Alaska is that you have to pay close attention to the little "split seat" logo. A flight will be listed under Business, but a click on that logo tells you that it is actually first class to SFO and then coach to LHR and for that they charge the higher surcharge. I always triple check because it is very sad to pay those types of prices and end up in coach.......

I haven't had difficulties with award flights, but I am always looking for them as soon as they become available. I have AA in March.