I'm totally new to using airlines miles programs, but in my search for finding the cheapest way to visit my father in Shanghai I stumbled across this awesome forum.

I signed up recently for the Southwest 50k points card and should have those points soon, I don't have any other rewards cards. My credit is pretty good, but not great (700 FICO), should be able to get approved for most non-AMEX cards.

I am looking to travel from San Diego to Shanghai pretty much anytime before August, 2012. Economy class is fine. No airline preference. Schedule is totally flexible and have no problem with weird layovers/times.

I am going to make this trip no matter what, so if I have to pay for it, that's fine, just trying to find the cheapest way to do this. So, I ask of you pros, what's the best way to do this?