Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

I should have been more clear initially it seems.

I was not wanting to transit bkk or tpe.. i was saying that if i had to start there it would need to be for a good reason as they are considerably more expensive for done4 ticket than cmb.

The main reason i was wanting cx was simply because i thought that to and from several destinations in asia, not including hkk, they might route you through hkk without incuring a segment penalty, and therefore maximising SC points.

As far as I know you cant fly Qantas Skybed if you aren't flying to or from Aus/NZ. And although we live here in australia, the cost of starting a done4/5 here is prohibitive (best price ive found is $8400aus for a done4 originating here in AUS).

coming through SWP is not really an option as we want a done4. We think that we have to start in asia cause of the cheap cost, but really its only a status points getting exercise in asia as we dont have any destinations there we are wanting to stopover in for any lengthy period of time. Most time will be spent in africa, europe and north america. And even then, africa is mainly stuff out of johannesburg.

But above all, as much as we will enjoy are trip, it is equally important to us to gain emerald/QF Platinum, as by qualifying in feb, both of us will be able to keep that status for 20months (our program calendar ends in nov).

Any more help would be appreciated, and the tip for flying only on F equipped flights in the US is a great idea to gain more SC's for free.


Best Regards

Simon