Speaking of amazing award availability, I couldn't believe it when I was actually able to book an award to TLV yesterday for a member of my family - flying NEXT WEEK. Ok, it was a Y award (and yes, it was with that evil other Alliance of Bankrupt Carriers!) but I rated absolutely zero chance of getting a seat considering the award would transit SIN/BKK and either FRA/VIE. The return in Jan was actually the hardest part, but we got the outbound date just when he wanted.
And while I have status with that other alliance, it doesn't count (IIRC) when booking an award for a non status pax with my miles.
So it's not just QF....
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RichardMEL, UA 1K
A Star Alliance Member.