I am researching flights from US (east coast or midwest) to JNB and then from CPT to US. My dates will be June or July 2026. I would like business class. I see Emirates as a potential having some good flight schedules.

When should I look for award flights (ie date and time)? I have seen two different charts with when award seats are released - 360 days and 328 days. Which is correct?
Does anyone know what time to look - midnight Central time?

What is a good redemption for business?

I have URs, MRs, C1 miles to transfer. Are transfers usually instant or do they take some time?

Thanks for any help.