Actually several *A partners did pull out before the end of BMI - but only in the last few days as far as I can remember. I'd agree with BCW that this is probably an excuse.

Did you check availability yourself before you called? I had a booking LHR - LIS - GRU (TAP)/GIG - FRA - LHR (LH) earlier this year, found without too much difficulty although I appreciate that may no longer be the case. When are you looking at?

From what I read ticketing problems are not uncommon with United. As you know a reservation and ticketing are 2 separate things.

Having a reservation does not mean tickets have been issued and having a reservation alone does not mean you'll be able to fly.

UA needs to first ticket the flights then pass the ticket details to the operating carrier(s). If the operating carriers don't receive a ticket number within a short time they may cancel the reservation. Probably worse still, the reservation can still exist for a long time, show a status of confirmed but without tickets it is useless.

In your case, if you can't pull up your reservation on UA and you booked with UA then unfortunately you need to get on the phone...what else can you do? I suppose you could call the operating carrier you think you're booked on...ask them if they can see your reservation AND (and this is important!) ask them if they can see a ticket number against the reservation.

I have been searching to book award flights on AA.com, and it looks like there is availability for every class for the days I want, but then every single flight combination I have tried says 'the flight you have requested is no longer available..try again'- this despite it showing available until I select and press the 'continue' button.
I have tried lots of other flight combinations to test it out and cannot find any that let me get beyond the 'continue'- is there a problem with the online booking engine, or with my computer or me?
The Krisflyer engine is working fine...
Anyone had similar problems? Thanks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23687680

Interesting.......
I guess it's not over till the fat lady sings..........

waiting at Bangkok for the next flight to Belgium, great flight and service from brizzy

I may need a one way business class flight from Brazil to the UK next february

I recall seeing something about an alternate scheme which is good for one way flights. Can anyone link me to the posts and give me an update on if it is still good?

Been searching for ages and failing

Probably Avianca. Haven't used their scheme myself yet, but I think bcworld has.

Some info starting with your post around #1625...relates to Buenos Aires but LifeMiles also offers long winded options to São Paulo...not sure I've seen Rio.

Thanks Louie &

Thanks bcworld. SP isn't a problem. Can get a bus from Rio to SP is need be. Will have a look now

If you are struggling with ex SYD flights consider making your own way to PER. There is generally good availability on South African PER-JNB-South American Cities (EZE and GRU?).

I'm no longer in Australia

Just trying to get back to LHR!

By the way, as others have already said - thanks for this thread. I flew home twice first class with Thai and it cost me less than Qantas wanted for economy. I also have 300k miles stockpiled so defo going to have some more 1st class journeys!

I even managed to get flights a few days before xmas at no notice and came back on New Year Eve. Can't think of more expensive flights to get, Qantas probably would have wanted $6k!

I have to fly economy from Rio to LHR....and i'm dreading it

sat here 5:30 in the morning due to a bit of jet lag..

Our trip was was BNE-BKK BKK-BRU then BRU to LHR.

The first leg was on a 777 seats were not lie flat but they were more than adequate, service was outstanding.

Second leg was also a 777 this time we got lie flat beds. What a pleasure, service again was faultless. im 6,3 and had no trouble with the seat/bed being long enough. interesting there was first class on this leg but the seat type were the same for business and first the setout was bit different

Third leg was interesting the seats we were no different with no more legroom then anyone else. the seats were interesting reminded me of garden furniture. this flight was only an hour so no problem.

The lounges do make a big difference on a long journey and they were all comfortable. I do reckon the emirate lounge far better than any we went into.

BCworld id like to thank you for putting this thread up it means we can now travel in comfort at a realistic price.

This is normal for intra-EU business class, almost every airline is the same...onboard essentially all you get is a blocked middle seat.

Glad you enjoyed TG!