Welcome to FT!

1) Depending on the aagent you talk to, but mostly yes.

2) ATW Desk is based in Texas and can be reached at +18002473247. You don't need to contact them to make the booking but it's much easier to get them to book it than an aagent at the local station who may or may not have a clue on xONExs. They can hold a booking for up to 6 weeks.

3) You can most certainly pay for your xONEx by credit card over the phone.

4) Yes routing is ok (so that's what a simple routing looks like ), and yes the exception applies even for a start in Asia.

5) Not sure about this one but i don't think so with AA.