I believe the only time the 30 day rule does not apply is if you are willing to use tons of miles and go the 'easy pass' route. That is what the OP rep told me in booking a reward trip EWR-HNL, (as HNL qualifies as international for purposes of OP rewards) She told me I could get CONFIRMED BF if I used 60K miles each way--vs 35K RT for coach, and 70 RT for 30 day rule BF.