I am looking to redeem a first class ticket from JFK to Asia in June/July 2016. I am based in HK and am looking to redeem JFK-HKG-TYO/KIX with stopover in HKG to maximize my first class experience with two legs and also the first class lounge at HKG.

Tokyo or Osaka will mainly be a tag-on as an outbound flight for a vacation in Asia so I am open to other cities but seems CX only guarantee F on these two Asia routes.

Couple of questionsss...

1. Any tips for having this to work out?
2. How difficult is this redemption since I cannot really confirm till late January, and June might be a peak travel period?
3. Let's say if JFK-HKG is not available, I heard JL has pretty awesome first class too?
4. If I look to have stopover in HKG, how do I check for availability? Available awards for both sectors instead of combined?

Thanks!