<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Vaze:
That's good to know and seems workable, but still leaves me getting from LAX - HKG (which I can do on Cathay Pacific) but not able upgrade with either VIPOW's or AA miles, correct?
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On CX you may only upgrade a Y ticket with miles. Even so, your last date of travel with CX upgraded with AA miles is July 31, 2003.
If you are seriously looking into taking the train to CAN, then do the LAX-HKG. Personally, I would rather do multiple plane connections than train as going by ground is cumbersome (to say the least).
I would hire a driver/limo (usually S class or 7er) with dual plates to CAN from Hong Kong if going by land. Note that many HK executives, including my father, takes day trips to Shenzhen to golf (Mission Hills, 72 holes!). The family chauffer has been able to make such a trips to CAN in less than 4 hours one way. Added bonus is that you clear immigration in the car, which is much better! Immigration across the border is usually chaotic when you have to deal with the general public.