Originally Posted by
rankourabu
...Why wouldn't you get any miles on VA? - its a Delta partner.
What about NZ - much better business than UA and AC, and still Star Alliance. Just make sure AKL-SYD is on a widebody
And Delta & AA also fly LAX-SYD
Or as above SFO-AKL-SYD. Some NZ AKL-SYD can be A320's. Changing aircraft at AKL is way better than at LAX (same terminal all airside)
Making a connection is going to negate any (perceived) benefits for a better experience. After all it's just xx hrs in a metal tube to get from A to B.