Thanks Calchas, very useful info. I guess maximizing a DONE3 may be the way to go, I assume you also want to definitely circumnavigate the globe but which 3 continents may give more bang for the buck, I assume Asia is definitely one, probably N.America another one, and I assume a third one will be either Africa or Europe.

It seems ex-ZA with CX is also popular and a DONE5 from there is about the same price with a DONE3 ex-TYO with AA? Can you book the ex-ZA online with CX with the AA OW online tool?

Also, what is the deal with codeshares, these don't show on the online tool, right?

Further, the first flight has to be operated by the carrier you book the ticket with, that is, no codeshare allowed there?