Originally Posted by
mikew99
In my specific case, I'd clearly pay the US$282 for the MH flight, because I'd save money, earn RDM/EQM and be able to use the lounge on the layover, but of course, none of this is relevant to my friend's reasoning.
Does your friend have oneworld status? As a non-status passenger, I see no reason to pay $30 and connect instead of flying nonstop.