hi, not a regular on this forum but we're planning a trip to japan from Vancouver using Aeroplan miles for flights with ANA so i thought that i'd pop by this forum and poke around. I'm still exploring the options and have some ideas but would be very grateful for your opinion on whether or not i'm on the right track.

1 - I'm confused about the aircraft and seats that will be doing the YVR-HND route in OCT-NOV 2016. i have found numerous threads here and bits and pieces elsewhere about aircraft changes. however, I cannot determine with confidence whether it will be a 788 or 789 plus there was talk about 767 and regional 78X products. I know a/c can change at the last minute but what are we most likely going to get?

2 - as i understand, the YVR-HND a/c are J and Y only. is that correct?

3 - would it be worth doing YVR-LAX-HND in F? we're both a little bit into the experience rather than just transportation from A to B having dones CX and BA F. The Star Alliance lounge at LAX looks very nice too. Worth the detour for F?

4 - the return trip would most likely be J so save a few AP miles and usually by the end of a trip we're worn out and just want to get home. Would likely be from Osaka via HND to YVR. Are the two airports there similar or is one much better than the other? And it looks like there is no J on the Osaka-HND leg or am i wrong? No availability in PY with Aeropesos either it seems.

thanks very much for any ideas, suggestions, or criticisms.