The Plan: YVR-HKG (CX), HKG-DPS (CX), DPS-SIN (QF, twice weekly, wow!) SIN-BKK (CX), BKK-LHR-CPH (BA), CPH-LHR-LIS (BA), LIS-MAD-ATH (IB), ATH-LHR (BA), LHR-JFK (BA/SSC for kicks) JFK-LAX (AA), LAX-YVR (tbd).

The end of August finds us in Athens.

As I mentioned, I think FF miles are of more use to road warriers than families - our flying is limited to one rtw a year (the only way to afford 1st) plus a few domestic trips, so we don't reach any lofty levels. So the effort to get 5k or 10k extra, let alone 50/100k isn't a top priority. But it's fun to think about. Travel is always fun to think about.

Comments on the European routing (or anything else) from the well-traveled folk are very welcome, though. In particular, CX thinks that we're using 5 sectors in Europe, and wants around USD700 for our transgression. [Oh, I just realized that's what the TA said, but it's really 6 sectors, $350 each for the 2 extras.] Anyway, I'm surprised that they count each leg of a flight through a necessary connection separately.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

John