Originally Posted by iahphx

I didn't try to book the Shanghai Airlines flight. My recollection is that CO is still working out the kinks on award availability with them. Also, I "rigged" an itinerary such that I fly into China on Air Canada through PEK, get a free "extra" 24-hour (next available flight) stopover there (enough time for duck and some shopping), and then fly on Air China to Lijiang, connecting in Chengdu.

I then open jaw, flying Chengdu to Shanghai on Air China, where I do my official stopover. I fly home on Air Canada.

BTW, from the US east coast, always think Air Canada for award availability on Star. There always seems to be plenty of it through Toronto, unlike say on CO through EWR. AC has lots of connecting flights to the US, and you get the time-saving routings over the pole. Their service and aircraft are superior to UA.

If you're heading "out west" in China, these awards represent extreme value, as you get the expensive trip to places like Lijiang for free on your already reasonably-priced Asia award.