Hi,
I'm about to book a LAX-SYD-CBR (stopover)-SYD-MNL (stopover)-HKG-DLC (stopover) -NRT-JFK-DCA Circle Pacific, for 21,630 miles.

This is the first time i book something more complicated than the open jaw, so please be gentle...

A couple of questions:
i (the easy one): Does it matter whether I take the QF or the AA codeshare? [likewise for JL]. My inclination is to take the QF/JL, because life is always potentially more complicated with codeshares, but I wonder if there could be any difference in the fuel surcharges, etc?

It seems AA wants me to take the AA-codeshares, b/c they propose that first, but then conceded that there was no rule.


ii) I have very little flexibility on dates. Flight KA920 on 26 june (HKG-DLC) shows on expert flyer as having D2 L0, but the AA round the world desk says that it is D0-L0, and can only put me on a flight on saturday, the 28th, which is too late for me.

The agent said she could waitlist me for the flight.

As a back-up, I'd like to buy a full-fare coach ticket HGK-DLC ($400).

But, if I end up doing that, I would need to get the whole trip re-routed ($100 change fee, less maybe $10 in PFC charges back)...can I trust the JAL agent in DLC (Dialan, China) to be able to take care of that?

Also, if I am already holding a Y reservation on the flight, under the same name (though I wouldn't give my AA number), would that screw up the computer process that waitlists me for the D/L.

Finally, they said there is no standby allowed, which I imagine is because the ticket is so complex...would it be better to leave that segment open, and then ask at the gate in HKG (or the club) just before boarding if they can force me into an available coach / business seat?

Any thoughts much appreciated,
Shawn