I'm based in LA, and I've got the first half of my HAN-bkk-doh-DFW scheduled for Dec. 4. I will actually be in AKL over thanksgiving (and I need to get back to the states), so the challenge is getting from AKL to HAN without too much misery and expense. I could either redeem 30k United miles for a Thai Airways AKL-BKK in J (then a LCC on to HAN), or spend $1400 for a ow Qantas AKL-BKK. I could really use the Qantas oneworld EQMs to maintain my EXP status for next year, but $1400 is a cartload of cash to spend to maintain top tier status. Thoughts, anyone? I'm open for other options too. Thx