Strange award availability issues

[pureshtuyot]

When attempting to book a connecting flight using virgin points for instance Tel Aviv to Johannesburg. It’ll offer me VS TLV-LHR and connecting LHR-JNB all on points but if I try to book the TLV-LHR separately, it shows no availability. How does that make sense?
I’ve seen the same on other routes too.

[SamG]

It’s called “married segments” – this is a good explanation – https://liveandletsfly.com/married-segments-award-tickets/

calling in you might get lucky and get someone to book it for you

[pureshtuyot]

really interesting. many thanks for sharing

[bartas8891]

Horrible availability between LON-JNB anyways. I was planning to book a one-way flight but only managed to find one seat in Y for 25k.
Out of curiosity, I checked other routes to Pakistan and India and it looks pretty dry too.

Looks like a lot of sausage rolls from Greggs instead.