oneworld - Which is a better routing for RTW: JFK-Asia-OZ/NZ-JNB or JFK-OZ/NZ-Asia-JNB?

For the second part of my 1st class RTW, I am debating the merits of the itineraries in the title. I currently have the JFK-Asia-OZ/NZ-JNB routing for late Nov and early Dec. The other routing of JFK-OZ/NZ-Asia-JNB has piqued my curiousity, mainly because of the extra 3K miles. My only required stay is for the total solar eclipse in the outback, 1-5 Dec. There are 3 long-haul intercontinential segments on CX or QF. Which is better, CX for JFK-HKG & HKG-ADL with QF for SYD-JNB or QF JFK-SYD with CX AKL-HKG & HKG-JNB ? I prefer the 747’s for 1st class if that is any help, and yes I do know that the AKL-HKG is a 343.

Others have noted in earlier threads that you may even be able to get ticketed a transit in HKG on your way to Oz, which would maximise your miles and mean you get to fly more CX and less QF, which is a good thing in my book...

JFK-HKG-Aus/NZ-Asia-HKG-JNB

We flew LAX-AKL-SYD-HKG with QF as part of a OW RTW schedule (albeit in Business) and were very impressed with QF.

Bear in mind that if u r going from AKL - JFK (inc via LAX) or HKG - JFK with CX, you'll cross the date line, so arrive in LAX or JFK same day you left AKL or JFK. Might make the dates work more for you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Hope this helps - we're off again this December - LHR-SYD-CRC-AKL-LAX-LHR.