Huge Thank you @aaupgrade - that was so easy! Got straight onto the AA RTW Desk and connected with a super nice and helpful agent who knew exactly what I needed. She was anticipating the flight numbers as soon as I told her the destinations... I still have a lot to learn and next step is to look into Expert Flyer. But really, this forum, the Wiki and your specific reply to my message, allowed me to make progress on something I was stuck dithering about. So very appreciative that you took the time to reply to a newbie and shared your knowledge!
Originally Posted by
aaupgrade
Call the AA RTW desk and book with them. Their 800 number, free when calling using Skype, is +1.800.247.3247. Date and time changes are free after flying first international flight segment per ONE rules, although QF has made up their own rules and anecdotal evidence suggests they are charging for any and all changes, and it appears they are difficult to work with. I would avoid booking with QF at all costs. AA will want to book you on AA TPAC and TATL marketed flights; whether it's their own metal or their codeshare flights on QF, BA, AY, IB, QR, CX, JL, MH, etc. I have found in the past when booking AONEn that they will make exceptions when, for example, CX has A3 and the AA codeshare of the same flight has A0, they will then book me on the CX flight number.
You did not indicate what class of service you were booking, but I assume you are looking at an economy LONE4 since the Australia and Japan prices are very close to similar, 3614 AUD and 3397 AUD respectively. If you are considering business or first class then you should really consider booking your DONE4 or AONE4 ex-Japan and take a positioning flight from Australia to HND to start your xONE4 as it is almost half the price ex-Japan. DONE4 or AONE4 ex-Australia are 14,986 AUD and 20,862 AUD respectively; whereas DONE4 or AONE4 ex-Japan are 7,913 AUD and 11,991 AUD respectively.
Making your booking much later may result in inventory not being available for some of your desired flights. I am doing planning right now for an Oct 2025 AONE4 which will end in October 2026. I have determined that I need by book by mid-February at the latest with dummy bookings for my 2026 summer and fall flights. Then once I take my first flight in October 2025, in November 2025 I'll book the remaining summer and fall 2026 flights. Keep in mind when booking with AA you can only book 330 days out; whereas with most airlines outside the US you can book at around 360 days out. I also suggest getting a subscription to EF (Expert Flyer) as it will be invaluable for doing research and checking on L, D, and/or A class availability.