Hey folks, thanks again for your responses and advice. I have one more question. A family member has a bunch of United miles that they have no plans to use and has offered me. I did a quick check on Star Alliance and saw that I could use Thai Airways from SIN to HKT, connecting in BKK.

Is it worth 30,000 miles per person to go business class on this route? The perks are a higher baggage allowance and use of Thai's airport lounges. I've heard a lot about TG's great service and think it might be a nice treat.

These are not my miles but I don't want to waste a family member's miles.