To get J seats SYD/LAX/SYD on AK is virtually impossible using miles.
We have friends in HKG plus its so easy getting back to Cairns direct from there and its only 7 hour flight so these are the reasons we prefer to go that way.
I've checked out CX award availablity and also via the QFF site CNS/HKG to/from all USA ports they (CX) fly to with an approx. 3 week gap with short stopovers in HKG, all to no avail, so if I can't see any how can AK. It is a pity that CX awards can't be found on the AK site, I guess their systems are different?.
enzian, I'm told yes one stopover is allowed in HKG.