Originally Posted by
mster
Ended up with Dragonair biz via HKG. No published routing CTU-HKG-PVG so it would've been 2x separate AA awards. Ended up booking using avios for 30k +$26. A330s on both segments with fantastic biz class service for 2+hr flights. Considered CZ/MU biz briefly since they have direct flights for only 17.5k DL in J but...
As a OW emerald it's hard to argue with a Cabana and a stop at the Wing's champagne bar
Methinks that during your 5 hour delay in HK, you will regret not spending $100 on a nonstop, but I wish you the best of luck, and please do report back.
ETA: With due respect to the OP, I feel compelled to make my point stronger. While CTU-SHA is just as likely to be delayed for 5 hours as HKG-SHA, inserting HK into the equation is just plain silly. Those of you who don't reside in Asia may not appreciate the extent to which 5 hour delays suck (and, we usually don't have the luxury of waiting them out in lounges). For 30k BA points, it's possible to fetch
6 segments between BOS and DCA.