This may seem like a very basic question but as I have never done this, perhaps you FTers can help. E.g., if I'm looking to redeem miles for award travel on a partner of say, DL, as part of the process do I just ask for the DL csr to check NWA or CO for availability? Or, does the csr automatically offer me whatever is available to my requested destination in the requested class of service? Does the main ff program csr research and offer whatever is available on its partners and act as the central coordinator for this process? Is there a place to go to find out such nitty-gritty info? Is there a "How to" primer for redeeming awards on partners or alliances? Thanks for suffering such a basic query.

Hopefully you will not get yelled at"do a search!"It takes as much time to type a helpfull answer as to be snotty.
I do feel there should be a "beginners"section on this board for those of us that do not always feel comfertable playing with some of the big boys and gilrls here.Preferably moderated by someone with a lot of paitience and a kind manner.
When I check for a flight for Miles on NWA it gives me partner available flights also.These usually seem to cost more miles the the standard(25,000 domestic)awards so I do not really think they are"true"-but that could just be how this allience is set up.
I have friends that do this all the time on the phone with United.You apperently have to call the airline where you HAVE mileage(make sure you have sufficcient millage for the trip in this program)and request the ticket using the code share flight number-or give your trip info to the CSR at your milage program.If that flight has FF seats available on the partner-then you can book your free flight.
You might have to do a lot of homework,having flight numbers and schedules all ready for alternate choices.
Do not go by what the FF website for you airline of choice tells you-there are usually ways to achieve what you want by working with a CSR if you have done your hamework.

It does not necessarily be a code-share flight. It all depends on your frequent flyer program rules. So, you just need to call your program's customer service rep. and ask for details about award travel on a partner's flight. Once you know the exact rules, code-share necessary or not, and which partner you can book on, just do a search on your preferred airline's web and for all flights you want to travel on.

I did a star-alliance F award earlier this year by using United miles, and I just researched all flights on TG/ SQ I wanted to travel on. Then, I called UA award and got the job done. But, the agent had some problem locating some flights at first, and my list of flights flying between the city paris was useful in talking to them.

I think most people are pretty nice here, and no one possess all knowledge. So, feel free to ask anything, and someone will help!

Thanks a lot. A little knowledge is very dangerous and I have very little knowledge when it comes to just how the system works. To "do a search" would be the correct response but to the world of relative FT neophytes out there such as I, it can be overwhelmingly overwhelming. Your advice is greatly appreciated. To the seasoned FTers out there, please be patient with us newcomers; it's not that we're lazy, it's more that we want to learn the right way to "how to..."make use of a very important travel resource.

ExFed-this thread may be of interest
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=334105

Thanks Big Guy! You and others typify the best on FT.