I have tons of United FF miles I need to burn through and was hoping to use them to take an award trip in a premium cabin on a partner carrier...maybe Swiss or Lufthansa or Singapore. Not too picky on destination or time.. Was wondering if there was any trick to finding available seats, i.e., do you have to do it exacly one year in advance or do they release seats at last minute if they are available? It is tough to search as you have to call the United reservation line to check and every random date and destination I check is unavailable. Was thinking of Europe in January or sometime when not many people are traveling. You can't search partner carriers (except for continental and US airways) on-line. Any input is appreciated. I am Prem. Excutive/Star Alliance gold.