Forgive me if this topic has been beaten to death, but I am a newcomer to CO and its award program.

Booking a One Pass award seat is apparently very difficult, am I correct? It seems that using your accumulated mileage is useful for upgrades, but not free seats?

I'm disappointed -- I phoned tonight and was told for some dates in August a domestic coach seat would cost me 50,000 miles. After asking about the 25,000 mile award, the agent suggested that perhaps it is too early and that is why a One Pass award seat is at the 50,000 level, not 25,000.

The agent suggested I continue to phone back and check for a 25,000 seat. Tell me -- am I correct in thinking that's a total waste of my time and I should just plan on using mileage for upgrades?