Originally Posted by
number_6
All of us would be delighted to do that -- but CX doesn't upgrade using AAdvantage. You can upgrade for Asiamiles but in practice need CX DM status to have much chance for the upgrade to clear.
Hence my hint at a VIP trade.
Originally Posted by
number_6
Be aware that OW awards prohibit routing and airline changes -- only date changes are allowed.
But the ticket hasn't been issued yet, it is still on hold. I have a few more days before I have to issue, so it's still possible to make changes.
Originally Posted by
number_6
Presuming you are in SAN, both of you could have flown BA J (to any of a dozen cities) and found it as good or better than AA F in terms of comfort. If you happened to choose one of the BA J+ routes (maybe they are all upgraded by your flight date), it would be superior to current AA F in terms of quality of food, wine and bed. Ironic isn't it that some J is superior to some F? You mention wanting to maximize the F experience, and my critique is that it is closer to being minimized than maximized (even QF is superior to BA on HKG-LHR so it really is the worst choice on that route, as is your LHR-USA leg).
My partner and I did fly BA NNCW this past summer -- YVR-LHR and LHR-HKG. Both were very nice (aside from the broken IFE), with excellent food, and true lie-flat seats. I'd snagged the upstairs exit row which was quite private so I really liked that. But AA F in the Flagship Suites is very nice as well -- lots of space, a swivel chair, etc. I agree the food is not as good as on BA, though.
As for HKG-LHR, would your advice be to take CX as first choice, then QF, then BA?