I am gold elite with Onepass (CO) and want to use my miles on a trip to South Africa in the coming months. I tried to use the miles a few months ago for a trip to Istanbul, but when I called CO they said I couldn't use my miles on AF, but I could on KLM. Am I missing something here? All of these carriers are Skyteam. Or did I get a confused CSR? Does anyone see a reason why I can't use my miles on AF?

You can use miles on AF. Definitely. Maybe they mean there's no AF award inventory for the route you want to fly on the dates you require.

When I try to book for this trip will I have to book through AF or CO? If I recall, last time AF sent me to CO where I was denied. The less phone calls I have to negotiate through the better! Thanks!

Only people you can call is CO. AF, KL will not answer your request, as you're using Onepass miles. Only CO can book those for you.

I was looking at the reward travel charts on CO vs. AF and I see that CO "charges" 120K for First Class, where as AF requires 160K. Which would be the correct amount? I'd assume AF since that is the ultimate carrier?

The only website about Onepass miles you need to look at is CO's. Just like the only people you need to call is Onepass.

The bad news is that from the recent threads I've read on Flyertalk.com, Air France does not release trans-Atlantic First Class seats to Onepass.

So, the best you can use is their business service.

AF doesn't release first class award seats to Skymiles either anymore.

You can check AF and KL availability on the NW Japan site http://tinyurl.com/33o8wg

This is what I used to determine availability prior to calling DL to make my award reservations. I'm guessing the inventory available to Onepass members is the same.

I find that AF has good availability between CDG and JNB. Your other options are KL to JNB or CPT. Or if you're originating in North America, DL to JNB.

I will be coming from IAH, which is the CO hub...so I have considered flying them to CDG and then taking AF for the duration. My preference is going through CDG because I am considering an open jaw on the way back to stop in Paris and visit a friend.

I do have the concern of lost luggage, or bad weather, etc. that may end up costing me in frustration if something happens by switching airlines...partners or not.

Outbound and inbound doesn't need to be on the same airline. And I believe Onepass awards do allow you a free layover.

So, you can get them to put you on KL and/or CO via AMS going out. And then AF and/or CO via CDG on the way back.