Originally Posted by LongingForORD

I am not sure if this will help you or not, but I had/have 3 award tickets (taking my parents to Africa for their 50th anniverary) from US to LHR to JNB. The ony way all 3 could travel together was to book a weird connection on IB from LHR-BCN-MAD then onto JNB. I have flown IB several times, and many things about them scare me. There was no availability on anything more direct. I booked the tickets 330 or so days out. Travel is in the couple of weeks.

Well low and behold, last month AA calls me to tell me that my parents LAX-SFO flight has been cancelled, causing them a 6 hour layover in LAX. Would I like them re-routed to make it more convienent for them (I know, how odd is that!). So after they are re-routed domestically, I nicely ask if anything is open more direct to JNB, and lo and behold, all of a sudden 3 seats are just magically there on the BA LHR-JNB flights. I could not say "book it Dano" fast enough. Even the agent could not believe that the seats were open.

She did say that if I could not find the seats and flights I needed to call back every day and have them check inventory. I am not sure if this is the same award as your, but we are only flying on AA and BA (not original AA, BA and IB). I would call when you have time to explain your situation on the phone and see what they can do for you. And again, if that does not work, call back the next day. I know it is a hassle, but once you get on the flights you want it is all worth it.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.