Just to round out my report. The return fligth HKG-ORD-PHL which is now officially HKG-ORD-MIA-PHL.

Anyway, checked-in, and once again the flight is barely 40% full in Y, and at least half empty in J. The ISM is superb that she asked me if I'm "comfortable" where I am, noticing that this is an invitation to get a full row I replied "I'll sure take a row of seats if you can find me one", and sure enough she did by asking a FA to reserved a row for me so others can't grab it. Then was when I asked for J snack she actually offered J entree! I didn't take it because I prefer noodles anyway, but it was a great gesture none the less.

Landed at ORD on time (was hoping for early), and luckily I went back to my front exit seat 30 minutes prior to landing. The line is ok at first but the custom agents are all taking their time it's amazing. Had I stay back say as one of the last few Y pax I estimate at least 40-50 minutes. I was up the front and I had to wait 20 minutes.

Baggage transfer was easy. Right to the left as you exit customs.

Ok, the nightmare and why after the triple miles offered I probably shouldn't keep doing this route. There was light rain and of course my flight got cancelled "due to weather", and of course all other AA flights going to other cities have no problem taking off on time. They consolidated the onward PHL flights and I was pushed to tomorrow. Not going to take it and after a few back and forth they finally "found a seat" for ORD-MIA-PHL... urgh... at least I'll earn extra miles....

Well, that's it folks. Few things to recommend:

1) Sit as front as possible so when you disembark you can get to the customs faster.

2) Transfer is easy, ORD is really not as bad as I have experienced in the past.

3) Do remember there's always a risk taking domestic flights as airlines in America loves to blame weather when they need to consolidate flights to maximize profit.