Originally Posted by
griffindodd
Based on our location and most of our proposed target destinations it seems that SW Airlines would be our best focus for travel which is why we want to try for a companion pass for our eldest child (infant will be good for another 18 months in lap). Is this a wise decision?
Yes.
Originally Posted by
griffindodd
I hear a lot of talk about utilizing Avios for short haul flights on BA. Is this only a good deal when spending AVIOS on BA or does the case still hold up when using AA points to book BA short haul flights? Can I pay for BA with AA or AA with Avios??
This is a good deal when spending Avios for flights on BA or any of its partners. The mileage price is set by the mileage program. AA has its own set of prices. The good deal is using BA Avios. And the good deal is for short-medium direct flights. That generally means flying to or from a oneworld hub. SAN is not one. But SAN is a focus city for AS (Alaska), so Avios could come in handy for your Hawaii and Mexico (if Cabo or Puerto Vallarta) travel goals. And SF if you're willing to fly into Santa Rosa.
Originally Posted by
griffindodd
For our Tokyo goal I'm looking at AA off season flights, but I'd like to spend some time in Hawaii on the outbound leg and Sydney on the return leg from Tokyo. As AA have killed the stopover, am I better going for another Group/Airline/Points to create this route?
LOL. Sydney isn't really on the way back from Tokyo. UA miles may let you route HNL-NRT-(stop)-SYD-(destination)-SAN but it would cost 75K miles (use Avios for SAN-Hawaii for 12.5K). If not I think UA would charge 87.5K for 3 one ways (HNL-NRT, NRT-SYD, SYD-SAN) and AA would charge 92.5K assuming off-peak HNL-NRT.