Originally Posted by
FlyerBeek
Definitely sounds like a voluntary downgrade to me.
Keep in mind that AAdvantage awards are relatively flexible provided you're willing to pay the $150 change fee. If you're set on sitting in J for the long segment on your return, perhaps consider looking for J availability using other routings (routing via NRT should be much easier to secure J seats).
-FlyerBeek
This is good advice.
Often an awards trip to Asia requires a booking that includes a mix of AA-JL-CX, particularly if the group includes two or more travelers in business or first.
Such as:
DFW-NRT (AA)
NRT-BKK (JL)
BKK-HKG (CX)
HKG-SFO (CX)