Originally Posted by
flytalkflyer
Unfortunately it is during Christmas. Not that I had high hopes anyway but I thought I may have a shot if I book in advance. FWIW I do have transferrable currency across all major US banks so would be open to exploring any 1-stop NYC-CHC or <30 hour 2-stop journeys. I am no newbie to the points game and am completely aware of the scarce availability so might just have to suck it up and book a cash ticket.
It doesn’t hurt to try, but booking in advance is not generally a benefit for MileagePlus. There may have been a time when UA opened up award seats at the beginning of the calendar — some airlines still do. But that time hasn’t been for many years. UA is more likely to open space one month in advance than 11 — but around Christmas, neither is especially likely.
Your flexibility helps, but there isn’t a ton of lift in and out of NZ, and most of what exists is either trans-Tasman or on UA or NZ, neither of whom like to open award space. I second the thoughts of other posters — broaden your search to include Australia and be ready to fly back to NZ from there.
Good luck!