I've been a loyal CO customer for years, and have banked approx. 275,000 CO miles. I have been a Silver Elite member for the past 4-5 years. I've been hoarding them for one reason and one reason only - to use them to fly first class to Europe for my honeymoon. So, I'm getting married in August and would like to fly from EWR to Milan. But Continental has not released any coach seats on their Milan flights, let alone any first class tickets. Any ideas? I am desperate for any suggestions you may have on how to convince CO to let me book something. If you have any thoughts, I would be eternally grateful. Thanks.

JHO

It looks like they have released some outbound BE seats mid week. Didn't check return but my guess these are plat seats. Only advice is ask for supervisors and beg.

Well, you can always book an EasyPass Award. 2 coach seats would be 200,000 miles, and you have enough.

Since you're looking for a CO Standard award.. as many on the CO board will tell you, there ain't no such thing!

Seriously, though, Standard award availability fluctuates alot. It's not just about booking early. Often there will be only one or two seats released at the outset and then more released as the inventory folks have better estimates of loads.

I've had lots of success over time claiming awards at the lower prices at the last minute.

It might help a bit if you posted the specific dates and your departure city.

I do note that there's plenty of availability to MXP via AMS on KLM. Check the WPAA Lister, because you can search 7 days of availability at once.

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More Room Throughout Coach: the Website of Free Miles and Free Markets

Thanks. I'm looking to leave on August 19 and to return on the 30th or 31st.

How about this outbound in F domestic and C international (per the WPAA lister): Okay, I see -- it's the return that's icky. The only flight I can find any seats on is: I betcha if you want a week or two return seats might become available.

It's too bad that Amtrak is now limiting point transfers to 25,000 per year -- you could have done CO --> Amtrak --> United. That would have opened up more redemption options.

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More Room Throughout Coach: the Website of Free Miles and Free Markets

This is a real challenge -- using CO miles for awards internationally, esp in the better cabins, and especially when looking for more than one seat.

Can I suggest Randy's AwardPlanner service?

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More Room Throughout Coach: the Website of Free Miles and Free Markets