Originally Posted by Boraxo
Have you tried to book a trip to TLV on CO using a saver award several months out? Or perhaps to Hawaii on 2-3 months notice? Good luck.
No, but that's the point
1) I know not to put all my eggs in the CO basket.
2) I have tried to book saver awards a few months out to tons of European destinations -- in coach, business, and first. While one airline won't have availability, or even several won't, another carrier or their partner will. I've yet to be disappointed. I keep a portfolio of miles in various programs and
someone has managed to get me what I needed. Btw, I have NEVER been disappointed trying to use United miles to Asia in premium classes or American miles to Europe, though frequently that meant using Swissair (due to the annoying restriction on BA transatlantic flights).
3) I have booked tons of Hawaii using United miles with no problem at all.
None of the above has relied on status to waive capacity controls or make appeals to inventory management for release of seats.
If you build up your miles in CO and are looking to redeem on CO, NW, DL, KL, etc. well you've made what I would consider to be the first mistake.
oneworld and Star Alliance both offer far better award redemption. You're in for disappointment if you don't have options in those alliances to redeem with.
With all due respect, if you're focused on Continental, you'll need far more than awardplanner to help you IMHO.