Originally Posted by
lin821
However, can the non-status OP compete with one too many elites who fly SFO-HKG regularly? My understanding is there are many many top-tier elites (UA, AA...) based in SFO. And sometimes award inventory is different for elites.
CX inventory is the same for AA elites and non-elites. Once CX releases seats, they are open on a first come first serve basis to anyone with AA, BA or OW miles.