irishguy28

It's certainly not unusual that redeeming on a "partner" airline can prove challenging; and not only in Etihad Guest. There is a common misconception that, if a seat is available on a particular airline (e.g. MH) in a particular frequent flyer programme (e.g. BA Executive Club) that it *should* be similarly available in every other FFP that "partners" with that airline; however, this is certainly not always the case.

Miles are not as liquid/redeemable as cash; you need to approach mileage redemptions with a different mindset, recognising that your potential to use them is already (vastly) restricted. In general, you would be better off looking to redeem Etihad Guest miles on Etihad flights; for trips that you want to take on Malaysia Airlines, then they might best be purchased with cash (or using Avios if you have any and see the seats available in BA Executive Club).

You can't force the Etihad Guest programme to adapt to your wishes; so you have to adapt your wishes to what can best be achieved from using Etihad Guest. And in most FFPs - not only Etihad Guest - seeking partner awards can be more challenging than seeking awards on the actual airline of that particular program.