Newbie here,

I have an upcoming trip and want to earn miles, but afraid my CX flights won't earn any AA miles. I can't pony up for premium economy or business, and the economy fare bucket isn't Y. I could still fly Cathay from LAX to HKG on the way over (as I've never flown them and have heard great things for Economy), and do AA or even United coming back. I have no status on anything, but would like to at least bank some miles flying all that way. Any suggestion would be great!