When it comes to Awards I always call UA rather than checking on-line. One reason is I'd much rather the agent let his/her fingers do the typing through all of the *Alliance carriers and on multiple dates (if I'm flexible) than trying to do it on united.bomb.

BTW - that is a thought for you as well - if you're looking for awards, don't just check for UA flights but all *alliance carriers.

PS - In all my years of travel I only recall having to ante up double-miles for an award one time (booked at 1am for a 6am flight & yes, alcohol was involved in that decision ), so guess I've always gotten saver awards?

Cheers.

Edited to add: It does help if you're a bit more descriptive in subject titles, and Welcome to FT!