Hello, everyone. I have learned quite a bit lurking here the last couple of days, but I would like something a little more concise. So, I am going to ask this question pretty much knowing that some of it is asking for repeat information. To those of you who are annoyed by this, I apologize in advance.

I am a fairly frequent flyer on American and have racked up quite a few miles over the last couple of years. I have used some of them (the 30,000 mile upgrade award to Hawaii is a bargin), but most have been saved. I have a chance to spend a couple of weeks in China, so I decided to cash in. I actually found a F seat from ORD to HKG via LAX (I wanted to avoid NRT as I did not want to miss my plane and AA's F is not anything special as I understand) and I fly on Cathay (CX 883) on the main leg (LAX-HKG). However, I have never done this OW transfer between flights. So, here are my questions:

1. Where should I go in LAX with a 4 hour turnover? The AC or direct to CX's lounge? Somewhere else?
2. Should I check in with CX in the TBIT or just use the tickets that American prints out at my departure city?
3. How far in advance should I get to the gate?
4. Is there anything I should know while in flight that I might not be specifically be told? I saw one post about asking for 'chinese sytle' tea that is usually not offered to Americans. I'm looking for info like that.
5. My hotel room will not be available until that night and my flight gets in (sometime) in the morning. Can I use one of the clubs there to get a shower?

I know alot of folks may think these questions are a bit silly, but I am ready for my vacation now and so I seem to be dwelling on things like this.

Thanks in advance,
Jake

P.S. I have a day on my own in Hong Kong before my friends get there. Any suggestions on things to do once in HK?