Frequent flyer miles

[homeowner]

I have a shed load of frequent flyer miles to use with an airline and have not been able to use them due to their restrictions every time I go to book. They say they only release these types of seats 3 weeks in advance of the flight so I call up within 3 weeks and they say they are all gone. This has been happening literally for years.....I cannot seem to use these frequent flyer miles. Anyone got any suggestions for sweet-talking the booking people into letting me upgrade outside of their 3 week window? Its for our honeymoon later in the year and we'd love to be able to fly business or 1st class.

Any tips appreciated!

 

[orka]

What airline is it? Seems a strange way to 'reward' people. I have Aer Lingus and British Airways miles and my experience is the opposite - the seats/upgrades are released well in advance and are often gone by the time I get around to booking - although I have managed to upgrade with the points lots of times. If you are such a frequent flyer, are you a silver/gold member of whatever airline this is? You might be better trying to book through the frequent flyer club rather than going in through reservations.

 

[newyork]

Most airlines release 51 weeeks in advance.

 

[shesells]

Try posting on the appropriate alliance board over on Flyertalk.com for real experts on reward bookings. Airline staff often read the boards and we had great help from a guy who worked with our main airline through it. A useful contact to have!

 

[kilty]

I've had a frequent flyer card for Aer Lingus for years, but then they stopped the scheme for a while, or did they? The website still asks for my number and I enter it, but I have no idea how to check if I have points or how to redeem them. Anyone know where I start?