Hey FT, thanks in advance for the help as always!

I'm trying to help a friend plan a trip to Madagascar from Boston this summer. His departure date is somewhat flexible, but the trip must be completed by mid August.

I'm assuming we should be focused on SkyTeam as AF, KLM, and DL appear to be the biggest carries flying to the island. Some approaches:

1. Focus on transatlantic mistake fares. Get as far as say BOS -> CDG or JFK -> CDG and pay for the rest at or near full price.

2. Focus on acquiring enough miles to pay for flight. Worried we might not have enough time. If we do go this route, which is the best airline to focus on for the acquisition? DL? Will it be a nightmare trying to book a partner award?

3. Use some kind of pay with miles/$ combo.

Obviously, there is a whole trip to plan after we work out airfare, but let's start with the easy (!) stuff. Would love to be able to get a layover day or two in Paris, Morocco, etc. if someone knows how. All advice welcome.

Also, if anyone wants to chime in with their best promos, credit card offers, etc. related to this trip, please do.

Thanks again!

Jordy