Originally Posted by
Joe747
Next fall I have a meeting in Kyoto and am trying to figure out the best connections. It seems there is a direct Detroit-Narita connection I could take and then domestic to Osaka or train. But NW also flies to Osaka but I couldn't figure from where.
NWA flies nonstop daily from DTW-KIX(Osaka). You could go BOS-DTW-KIX fairly easily. You can also go BOS-MSP-HNL-KIX if you're interested in a few more frequent flyer miles and perhaps a brief layover on the beach.
That routing is allowed with nearly all US->Asia fares. Otherwise, you could do BOS-DTW/MSP-NRT and take the train as you suggested. But if you can get a desirable price from BOS-DTW-KIX, I would recommend just taking that.
Originally Posted by
Joe747
Also, I was looking to use miles to upgrade. Will I have to count on an (expensive) Y fare or would a B be possible?
Y and B fares are the only ones upgradeable via miles. B costs twice as much miles for the upgrade and is usually harder to secure, but the B fare may be considerably cheaper to buy than the Y fare. With advance planning and diligence in checking for upgrade availability, you may get what you're looking for.
Originally Posted by
Joe747
BTW, I just got back from an AF Class Affaires flight CDG-NRT and it was, I am sorry to say, much better then my WBC experiences. Is this typical?
I'm not sure it is. I've only flown NW WBC a few times and never AF Affaires class, but most report that AF is on-par with NW WBC. As always, YMMV. You could always go BOS-CDG-KIX if you really like AF that much.
