A while ago quite a few of you helped me out with a first draft LONE5 - thanks. I went back to the drawing board, and I think I have nearly nailed it now:

PER-PAR...MAD-CAI...HEL-JFK-YVR...MIA-PANAMA...BELIZE-DFW-ANC-DFW-SCL-CARACAS...BOG-SCL...EZE-LAX-HKG-BOM...DEL-HKG-AKL-SYD...CBR-PER
= 18 segments

Note: Primary purpose is to go where I want!, but otherwise looking to max QF points (therefore avoiding BA and AA). Plan to be away for 6-12 months; early mid-life crisis I think

Can anyone please:

1. Confirm this is okay
2. Offer any suggested revisions

Also, can somone fill me in on how open tickets work. ie, how open are they - am I locked into a specific flight number or airline? Examples:

3. I have an open dated coupon for JFK-YVR and want to use CX. Do I have to specify CX when I ticket or can I leave it open so that I can go with AA if CX is full.

4. I intend to use LA 600 EZE-LAX, which stops in SCL and LIM. If I have trouble getting a seat, any of the alternative routings (with either LA or AA)will use more than 1 segment ... so is it possible for friendly LA checkin person (?) to give me an alternative routing that uses two flight numbers?

More questions:
5. I am going to Nth Am twice, but intent the second to be without stopover. How is that policed if I use an open dated ticket?

6. If I run into availability problems, are there any other options ... ie just go to the airport and pray / beg ... ie, am I wrong to assume that if there is an empty seat LA will stick me in it on the day?

7. Is opendating tickets more risky beacuse I am going cheap.

8. I hope to have Platinum QFF status soon ... will that help any with availability; should I expect any better treatment?

9. I presume with Platinum I can get into any OW lounge (including first class lounges)?

Thanks very much (in anticipation!)