I'm going back to Los Angeles this summer and am ready to book my vacation. Now, I plan on using my miles to get a "free" ticket, the 25K standard reward. I called yesterday and they did not have anything open for the dates and flights I wanted. I asked the woman what they thought and she said that she really didn't know so I thought I'd ask the experts here. Should I just try again in a few weeks?

What dates are you looking for? Did you ask about partners or connecting flights?

You're the second person this week who noticed that it's hard to get a ticket for 25,000 "valuable" NonePass� miles.

See: Availability of 25,000 points awards

My dates are July 16 through the 23rd, a Saturday to a Saturday. Yes, as a matter of fact, she checked the partners and found one option. I could go out the day before, the 15th at one something in the afternoon and return on the 26th at 9:00 PM t get in after midnight. Thought that was funny.

nwa.com is listing 2 options for FC standard rewards on Delta EWR-LAX on your days. 45,000 miles for First Class is better then 50,000 miles for a NonePass� SleazyPass reward, particularly if you're a First_Class_Flyer.

Just thought I would bump this thread. I called Continental earlier this evening and much to my amazement, they actually had standard rewards available. Although the times were not perfect, I think they are OK. So here it is, I wanted to leave July 16 in the morning but the earliest they had was 1:35 P.M. getting me into Los Angeles at 4:15 that afternoon. I really wanted the 8:45 A.M. flight, but it becomes balanced on my departure which is the 24th leaving at 3:45 P.M. getting me into Newark at midnight. I wanted to leave on the 23 but in the morning so it actually really does balance well. I put this on hold, just because I don't know what will happen within the ten days. Do you think I should reserve this or wait until what I want becomes available?

The early flights from EWR-LAX are tough for rewards travel and upgrades due to the same reason you are trying for them. Plus, the early flights are 738s, so there are less available reward seats then the mid day 757 flights. IMHO, grab the seats while you can and pay the change fees later if something opens up for you.