Newbie here and I found this subforum extremely helpful. I have spent a few days reading the posts here and learned a lot. I made my first attempt to buy a Oneworld Explorer ticket (for me and my wife) by composing an itinerary and contacting AA RTW desk. My initial requested trip would go like this (starting Feb 2025 and finishing in Sept 2025): (ex)HND-oSYD-oQZN-(surface)AKL-(x)HKG-oPEK-xHKG-oJFK-oEZE-oJFK-oCMN-oPKX-(surface)PEK-HND. It took 3 conversations with AA before a rate/pricing is made available. The first issue was CX pricing is not available (between AKL-(x)HKG-PEK), using travel dates of Mar 2025. The second issue is, I was told I cannot visit Asia twice as I am originated in Asia, even though come back from NZ, which I can't find any specific rule explaining this. Anyway, in the final rated trip, AA just removed my leg from AKL-(x)HKG-PEK and go from AKL-JFK directly, which avoided CX pricing issue and two visits to Asia. Can anyone help me understand the restriction from AA staff saying "no two visits to Asia if originated Asia"?

Later I revised my trip like this, which has being successfully rated by AA: (ex)HND-oJFK-oEZE-oJFK-oCMN-oDOH-oHKG-oDEL-HND. To avoid the pricing issue with CX (seems not available as soon as China mainland legs are involved), I will manage HKG-PEK return myself. I am happy about this plan (and it's ~$1K cheaper as its a DONE4, instead of DONE5). I may add couple of more stops in USA/Canada and Europe (so far I only used 8 segments?) before I finalize it and make a purchase. Welcome and appreciate any suggestions.