Again planning a DCIR22. This time I need to start in Brisbane (BNE) and only require one stop in either PHL, BWI or I can even accept JFK or EWR. My preference is to cross the North Pacific first eastward, and the South Pacific westwards, but can go the other way around if there is advantage in doing so.

Reason for the SP westward preference is that I am shortest on time for the return trip and also would like to try to upgrade the trans-Pac flight using QF Upgrade Credits.

So that means I would prefer to travel between LAX-SYD (or JFK-SYD) to get Skybeds and Z options, while LAX-BNE will not have Skybeds and no F cabin when I am flying. QF108 does have Skybeds and plenty of D available on the day I would be returning to Australia.

I would prefer to route BNE-HKG (again for the QF Skybeds), but the only way I can fit PHL/BWI/NYC into a DCIR22 ex BNE is to route BNE-NRT-ORD/JFK, which means a QF 763 followed by AA 777.

The best routing I can find so far is: BNE-NRT-ORD-PHL/JFK-LAX-SYD-BNE, with PHL/JFK being a ground segment. I make that about 21,900 miles and 540 QF SC's.

I would have liked BNE-HKG-JFK-LAX-BNE but it is 22,014 miles and there is no grace with the mileage on these fares. Another option is BNE-NRT-DFW-PHL-LAX-BNE for 21,715 miles flown and 540 SC's, but no Skybes on LAX-BNE.

Any other suggestions on how to for the PHL area into an ex-BNE DCIR22? At a cost of about A$6000 plus taxes, it is a great business class fare to the USA East Coast.