Originally Posted by zanderblue

Hi folks,

looking for some thoughts and guidance. I have read recent posts on this thread and the other booking one. I think I’ve managed to get my head around the basics, but still a little uncertain and have a few newbie questions……..
I’ve had a play with the OW online tool and have managed to get a routing that whilst not optimal I can live with.
Basically, departing OSL and heading west to NA, then onto Japan, NZ, then OZ.
Continuing on from OZ ideally I’d like to head for SEZ, I can’t seem to avoid connection in DOH which is triggering the one intercontinental departure/arrival rule.
Is anyone aware of a work around?
Ive read a bit on here about differing YQ charges, how do I minimise these?
Im currently Finnair Plus gold and had assumed that I’d just credit there, but I’m beginning to realise that this may not be most efficient. How do I figure out who the sweetest FF airline is?
This trip is for spring 2027, so I’ve plenty time to figure it all out. Should I book as soon as first flight is available, then take advantage of free date changes or is it better to wait until closer in? I had used some dummy dates in Autumn to price up, and then tried for spring this year and found price dropped by about 10%????
Happy to share itin if that’d help?
From what I gather, AA RTW desk may be currently best option for booking???
thanks in advance