Originally Posted by
eponymous_coward
Because OP might be looking at a routing like MEL-SYD-DFW-SEA-MCO with significant portions of the itinerary in Y, poorly timed that could turn it into 48+ hours of flying all told. Alaska’s connectivity to the US East Coast isn’t great.
You might think flying is fun but that would be an itinerary from hell for me. Save flying times by cutting illogical routings forced in me because of award availablity with a cash ticket? Sure- especially if I am looking at having to do an overnight stopover anyway and pay for a hotel room.
I don't disagree with your analysis. What I disagree with is the Poster telling the OP that a cash ticket is necessary!
I don't presume to know the OP's situation. My intention was to provide the OP with additional information (AS connections to the gateway, stopovers, alternate partner awards) so that an informed decision can be made. SYD-SFO-MCO is as good as SYD-DFW-MCO on AA. Arguably better if your are doing an ultra-long haul flight in Y.
Whatever works best for the OP, given "all" the information, is for him/her to decide. Simply to say, get to the West Coasy and buy a revenue ticket to Florida, is, in my opinion, a disservice to the OP. Should the OP fly to SFO/LAX/DFW and then by revenue tickets onward not knowing that onward travel with or without a stopover is an option?
What you may find as an Itinerary from hell is irrelevant.
James in Kigali.