The one I saw didn't require any long layovers - what I'm saying is, it's a possibility.

It all depends on the rules for the airline whose miles you're using. On an international ticket, United's rules are, essentially:

- Up to one stop that is over 24 hours
- Any number of stops that are less than 24 hours
- The possibility of up to two open jaws, if placed correctly in the itinerary

As long as you follow the rules, it's the standard award mileage for a round trip ticket to your destination.

This thread might be helpful: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...solidated.html

The real question is how much time you want to put into becoming good at this. You'll end up learning about the different tools available (KVS, ExpertFlyer, etc.) and how to search for availability by leg, how to construct a valid ticket, and how to actually book it, with or without agent help ...

That $160 USD entry fee sucks. I feel that I should return within 10 years (valid period) so I can get more value from it. That EZE airport: it's gotta be one of the farthest airports from city center ever! I used United miles but traveling during Christmas? Must be difficult.

I've seen some really old looking recliner business class seats on Aerolinas Argentina...

Better check the equipment type to see if this applies to that non stop.

You might be better taking the connection.

So I ended up failing this exercise...

I thought about jumping on a couple of the flights, but I never did. The closest I came was:

AR Non-Stop for $1079 or 86k Chase UR points (would have required me to take an extra vacation day that I didn't really have)
Various UA flights for 85k mi (Either another extra vacation day scenario or a 20+ hr flight which didn't seem worth it for 85k and the short duration of my trip)

I clearly need to do a bit more homework on finding better award bookings, not to mention plan this out earlier... lesson learned.

I'll still continue to refresh the UA site to see if anything opens up (though now I'm subject to close-in fees), but it looks like I'll be skipping this wedding.

Thanks for everyone's help

I would only add that booking Aerolineas Argentinas, especially near Christmas time, is asking for trouble. I have been burned enough by Aerolineas' strikes, cancellations, all with complete lack of consideration of the customer.
Of course, you could be lucky, but I wouldn't risk it for a couple hundred dollars.

Eldie

That's a good point. I forgot about them being state-owned. I think they're only beginning to fly this route again on the 15th or so... it might not be a great idea being their guinea pig.

In any event, that flight is now $1,600, and the UA flights are 110k, so I think I'm unfortunately out of luck.