Originally Posted by NeighborGeek

I am planning a family trip to Japan for next March, and was hoping to transfer my Amex points to AMC to pay for at least 2 of the 4 tickets. When I search for available award flights though, they all show wait listed for the dates we need.

We don’t have much flexibility on travel dates unfortunately. What the likely hood of getting an award flight is at this point? Is it worth transferring points and requesting the award flight, or am I going to end up not knowing if I get it until the last minute, and possibly having to pay a high cash fare to get a seat if the award flight isn’t accepted?

I’ve never booked a flight with points before, I’d this waitlist thing common with all airlines, or is it just an ANA thing?

edit: In case it matters, I’m looking for a flight from Chicago to Tokyo, departing around March 9th and returning March 17th