Before you slam me for posting in the wrong forum or not using the search tool, I'd like to start out by saying in my own defense that TravelBuzz appears to be the right place to discuss this (26 pages of discussion about Galileo and Smile67's tool on MilesBuzz notwithstanding) and the search tool either delivers 100 multi-page hits (when the query isn't specific enough) or zero (when it's slightly more specific).

So here goes: all I want is a tool that tells me availability in the *standard* fare classes (i.e., not necessarily the 'secret' classes for award travel or upgrades) for the big airlines (in my case, AA).

I used to use ITN, but the bug that ignores your airline selection makes it difficult to use (SJC-DFW returns a bunch of HP connections through PHX, and perhaps one or two nonstops on AA, even when the airline selection is set to American). Also, I've noticed lately that in certain markets, ITN does not report L-class at all (e.g. SJC-ORD).

I've seen various references to "non-standard" portals to ITN, but the ones I've tried flat-out didn't work (waiting.. waiting.. waiting.. waiting.. "The system is having difficulty pricing or completing your reservation").

Then of course there's the famous smile67 "Availability" tool, whose name I put in quotes because the tool is actually unavailable 5/7ths of the time (no offense intended towards the author). (Besides, since I'm not looking for 'secret' fare classes, I'd rather leave the server bandwidth to those who are.)

Suggestions? Does anyone have a favorite URL which points to a version of ITN that actually works?

thanks!