NZ award availability

[StevePER]

Unfortunately ExpertFlyer doesn't show NZ award availability, but it seems you can get a reasonable idea in business class at least. As far as I can tell from looking at PER-AKL-PPT, flights that show J7 tend to have business class availability, but those that show J6 tend not to.

YMMV.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

The ANA award lookup tool (just need a free ANA Mileage Club account) shows award availability that is accurate in my experience (unless redeeming using UA Mileage Plus, which has lower availability).

I don't think your rule of thumb works on A320 flights for example and also seems not on 747 & 777 flights.