Originally Posted by nkedel

AA does have flights that get you both places, and you already noted JL. I assume the AA flights are too pricy to be worth considering?

HKG is a much nicer airport to connect in than NRT*, but other than that, the coach seats and service on both will be better than your domestic options

(* two reasons: (1) getting back to and through transit security at NRT typically takes a good bit longer, including a longer time standing in line, and (2) there's not really anything to do in the AA/JL terminal at NRT if you don't have lounge access, and the food is only snack vendors; much better dining options in HKG.)

I'm not sure whether the AA flights are 772s or LTRC 77W/788s -- as a coach passenger, I'd take JL or CX in preference to either. The 77W MCE is pretty nice, but if you aren't AA PLT or EXP, only worth it if the CX or JL seats aren't cheaper than the ticket+seat charge.

Friends who have UA status absolutely love ANA, but I've never flown them.

I know nothing about Air China.

Given the DL status it lists on your profile, it might be better to take one of their partners (which would be the China Eastern/China Southern.) I can't recommend it -- I flew one or the other BKK-PVG once (on an AA-sold ticket back to the states) and it was far and away the worst mainline carrier I've ever flown. Uncomfortable seat, rude passengers and crew, AND mystery food even for the "western" option. I'd hope the long-haul segments would be better.

(Also, you'd need a visa for China for this trip anyway, but for other folks thinking about using them I don't think CAN allows transfers without a visa.)

If I didn't have OneWorld status, and in absence of mile-earning concerns, I'd probably take my chances with the Air China premium economy -- at only $200 more, that's basically the same price as the extra-legroom seats on CX.

With OneWorld status, I'd take CX if I didn't care about the miles at all, and JL if I did (or if the schedule was better) as even the lowest fares earn 30% and given the high fares I'd hope these would be in the 50% buckets (if they are in the same buckets as the fares showing on CX, they would be.)