<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dave_261:
Cathay also costs a few less miles, but the routing seems to add several hours to the trip... Looks like it's 100K AA miles for Cathay, 105K for Qantas, and 90K UA miles for Star Alliance (presumably UA or Air New Zealand).
Are there any other viable options? Wouldn't it be easier to redeem UA miles, since you'd possibly be flying on their metal</font>
Which airline do you have the most miles on (after DL)? Are you elite on any airlines?
If I were you, I would bank my miles for Australia in the program that has the most options. With AA miles, you can get to Australia on Cathay or Qantas. You can also get to NZ with Air Tahiti Nui. Odds are good that at least one of those options will still be available in 3 years. Also, are you interested in visiting another country on the same trip? With CX you have to go through HKG, which works out well if you have never been there and would like to go. You would also get to use the Wing in HKG, which is one of the best lounges around. Air Tahiti Nui makes you stop in Tahiti and NZ. Qantas will get you there non-stop from LAX.
I do not know what UA partners fly down under, but I would not bank on them if your only option with UA miles is UA. This is not because of the bankruptcy, but because you would be relying on UA having availability for when you want to go.