I was planning to post this in the Booking and Pricing sticky, but a post there seemed to indicate this one more appropriate. I'm planning a 5th DONEx. I have a great fare to LHR in Aug with a confirmed SWU and thought about originating in OSL. Then I snagged an 80K First Class ticket to Tokyo for July 15 on JAL (it's the old 777, but still...), so I could alternatively originate TYO. If I decide on OSL I'll probably still make separate trip to TYO as there are some $2K biz fares home. Same if I purchase x TYO; I'll still go to LHR as I already have a RT ticket. My last x TYO had about 20-25% added taxes and fees, and I'd love to reduce that if possible.. Goal is maintaining EXP and accruing miles while seeing the world. I have always booked via AA RTW desk but would consider going with TA if I can find one experienced in these fares. None are listed in the tools forum.
Questions:
Is there any consensus on which origin has better fees?
There was a thread about longest xONEx but it would no longer be useful for booking to any of the carriers since there will be a mix of fare based and distance based earning. Have any of you considered maximum LP earnings (if you're an AA flier), or whatever currency you are earning? Any specific itineraries? I will be working on this and will post, but I don't think it's possible to know in advance how many status earning points or redeemable points will be awarded..
Has anyone been able to book via AA RTW without booking TATL or TPAC?
Thanks for plowing through this.