Originally Posted by jsloan

Your far better option is to try to waitlist for the award that you want in advance (much more likely if you’ve booked IAD-EWR-LHR than DCA). Technically, the award waitlist policy doesn’t cover waitlisting for economy, but reports are generally positive. After getting a confirmed seat on IAD-EWR-LHR, call the Premier line and ask to waitlist for a Saver Award on the nonstop flight. If they refuse, don’t ask for a supervisor, just HUCA.