From SAN, the quickest route and the only OW option with a single stop is on AA via ORD. Normally, on an international route I would try hard to use CX, or BA if giving up the AA miles is worth it, but in this case it seems that this would cost at least 5 hours and another stop to use a carrier other than AA. At 6' 6", neither the AA, BA, or CX J seats are going to be that great for you. The BA seat is nice and flat, but too short for your height, the CX seat is good for sitting but you slide downwards when sleeping, and AA's seat is old and not very comfortable. F is far better. If you get on the waitlist early and can use your VIP upgrade, the AA option via ORD would seem to be the clear choice for comfort, time, and ease of travel for this particular case.

If the VIP upgrade is not an option, and you will be flying J for sure, then I would recommend using CX. It's a longer trip than with AA, but much more pleasant. The LHR transfer experience should be avoided if at all possible, it's deplorable and no way to spend the middle of a 24 hr trip, even if BA does have the best J seats and you can use your VIP upgrade on AA to LHR. The CX seats are not flat but much more comfortable than AA, there's good IFE, HKG has great CX lounges and is easy to transit, and they have great service.

The RTW option is a very good suggestion and worth considering if you want to make any other stops in Asia, Europe, or even NA.

-from an old Aztec to the OldAztec-