Your logic is certainly sound. Go for it. I'd probably use Mindpearl in CPT (AA's GSA) for booking as it sounds like you'll have a fair number of AA-metal flights.
Originally Posted by
TopGunner
I guess the price increases last year really hit South Africa hard if Japan pricing is now that attractive on a relative basis. $6000 is how much a close-in roundtrip C ticket will cost from the US.
It's more a case of the USD-JPY exchange shifting in the dollar's favor. Personally I'd use miles for access, but doesn't apply in your case. South Africa's still the best deal if you can get there and also avoid BA fuel fines.