Originally Posted by
jsloan
While that's true in general, OP did state that he checked UA's site and saw the flight available there for miles.
Just because United.com shows award seats available doesn't mean that the seats are actually available. Happened to me once for a SQ award. the website would error out when i click purchase. Called United. The agent experienced the same behavior. Finally a sup told her that the seats are not really available.
I kept trying every day until one day the system FINALLY ticketed the SQ tickets. So, may be keep trying for a few days. May be OP will get lucky.