I’ve been spending waaay too much time reading old threads, checking for updates to current discussions, and trying to digest the oneworld rules. There is a veritable snowdrift of index cards covered with three-letter codes, copies of great circle route maps, and empty Diet Pepsi cans covering my kitchen table and environs. I’d better get with it if I’m to make a purchase (or several) before the sale ends. Seems the more I read, the more I find I’ve come to some erroneous conclusions.
One thing I would like to clarify is the earning of miles to qualify for elite status. I’ve seen the chart that gives the LONE* earning, but none for D or A. I have thus deduced you must earn one mile for every one flown on all carriers. There’s a link (I’m pretty sure in the stickie of useful links) that refers back to an AA page that outlines “elite status bonus miles”. It’s not very clear, but I’m thinking the bonus miles are for pax who hold elite status, but the actual miles bonused are redeemable, not EQM. Is this correct?
My FFP is AA, and thanks to many fellow FTers, I’m EXP. I have plenty of AA miles, and actually about 250K with United, that I could use to get where I need to be to start the trip. Of course, I’d rather purchase a ticket and earn some more miles, lol.
My goals are:
(1) maximize miles to re-qualify for status for 2011,
(2) start somewhere other than my home country (US) both to take advantage of better prices and to break up the trip so I can work. I can be gone often, but not for long,
(3) try to wrap my mind around maybe purchasing two or more tickets—I’ve seen this mentioned, and wonder if anyone’s mixed alliances even,
(4) settle on class of service—probably “D”. I could handle “L” and buy twice as many RTWs for the same money (I am here to tell the survival tale of ORD-PVG and back in economy). I could upgrade AA segments with an L fare, but I think if EQMs are earned in “D” or “A” (and to be more comfortable, I admit) I’m leaning toward “D”. “A” would be nice, but I don’t want to worry about paying for something that may not be available on many flights,
(5) and, of course, see the world.
Here’s my latest incarnation of a *ONE3. I’m willing to add continents if starting elsewhere is preferable. And can anyone clue me in on what taxes and fees to expect, and how best to minimize? I’m coachable, and really appreciate any and all advice. Thanks!


Origin: WAW (pl); ex-WAW xONEx Fare Estimate
1: WAW-LHR: 1st of 4 (Europe)
2: LHR-LAX: 1st of 1 (intercontinental entry to North America without immediate transit & departure)
3: LAX-SJU: 1st of 1 (North America Transcon)
*3: LAX-SJU: 1st of 6 (North America)
4: SJU-DFW: 2nd of 6 (North America)
5: DFW-ANC: 3rd of 6 (North America)
6: ANC-DFW: 4th of 6 (North America)
7: DFW-JFK: 5th of 6 (North America)
8: JFK-HKG: 1st of 1 (intercontinental entry to Asia without immediate transit & departure)
9: HKG-DEL: 1st of 4 (Asia)
10: DEL-NRT: 2nd of 4 (Asia)
11: NRT-DPS: 3rd of 4 (Asia)
12: DPS-NRT: 4th of 4 (Asia)
13: NRT-LHR: intercontinental
14: LHR-MCT: 2nd of 4 (Europe)
15: MCT-LHR: 3rd of 4 (Europe)
16: LHR-WAW: 4th of 4 (Europe)
Congratulations!! Valid itinerary!!! - (54573 miles)





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