Hello:

I just downloaded the information on puchasing a OWE fare (sticky). I am relatively new to the sight so please bear with my learning curve.

In January I will have some significant time off and am thinking of going RTW. Mileage program of choice is AA where I am currently platinum. If I book a RTW fare in Business or First (thinking 4 or 5 continents) beginning in NYC do you think it is possible to qualify for Executive Platinum which is 100,000 flown miles or 100,000 "Q" points? My priorities are....A great vacation......getting as close as possible to Executive Platinum asap (I want to use all 20 segments). Ahhh the ultimate balance.

1) What website can I use to look at the mileage earned between cities? and flights that qualify, schedules, segments, etc? I want the planning to be perfect.

2) Is it better to book with a travel agent or the airlines (email me any suggestions please) as I am unsure and unfortunately my TA passed away recently.

3) Would buying my ticket orginating from another city save me money? I saw Sri Lanka is one...but is there anything closer?

4) Please feel free to post any other links which you feel could be of help.

I am not trying to re-invent the wheel just trying to learn as much as I can and do this all right the first time. Thank you in advance.

E.