Award availability using partner (VS) miles
 

I couldn't find much info on this, maybe I wasn't using the right terms. I apologize if it's been covered, or if I'm in the wrong place.

Is there an easy way to find availability of VX flights using VS miles? I just got off the phone with Virgin Atlantic, and they didn't see any availability on the dates I was interested in. Instead of calling in all the time, is there an easier way to check availability?

Doubtful. The two systems aren't connected, which is why they take your requested travel dates and then have to get back to you if it was successful.

I'm not sure I understand. When I called in, they asked for the dates I was interested in and told me right away that there was no availability. What I would like is a way to check the same award availability on VX that VS sees. E.g., when I want to book a United flight using USAir miles, I just check UA availability on united.com and call USAir with the dates I find.

They do check availability, but that's ALL they can do from their side. Pretty much what you'd get by using the flight search function on Virgin Atlantic's website, except there may be limitations on the number of these seats they can sell on a flight.

Once that's checked, the other airline still has to complete booking the flight, which is why there's a delay. If the availability isn't there by the time they get around to finalizing the booking, no dice.