My father-in-law is flying JFK-HKG in business class tomorrow. He is not exactly a seasoned traveler and would never think of using the internet for such things as finding the ideal seat or best pre-departure snack.

Any advice or tips that I can pass on to him? I assume CX supplies NR headsets and lounge access for business-class customers. He was thinking about renting a portable DVD player, but I told him that I've heard good things about the 340-600 entertainment system. Anything at all that you can suggest that would make his travels easier/more enjoyable?

Here are my tips:
1) Sign up asap for AA "Platinum" Challenge, 1-800-421-0600. Ask for them
to backdate the platinum challenge to start on 8/1. Need to accrue 10K
qualifying points within 90 days for AA Platinum status thru 2/2006. His
trip in business class, if traveling in J, C, D class should qualify for 1.50
qualifying points and 1.25 in actual miles. AA will give you 100% bonus
on flight that qualifies you which will be the first leg of trip, JFK-HKG.
2) Sign up asap for AA/CX triple mile promo, CXCEL for triple miles JFK-HKG RT
traveling on CX 831/830 only in business classes J, C, D. RT is 16K, so
getting 48K for this trip plus business class bonus (25%) and Platinum
challenge bonus (100%) will add to another 20K. Travelling on CX
JFK-HKG CX 889/888, will only net double miles plus biz cls bonus & chall.
3) Traveling business will entitle him to access to the CX business class Wing
or Pier?) lounge in HKG and I assume there is one in JFK. The noodle bar
at the HKG club was nice. The phones dial out locally to HKG.
4) Check out the best seat assignments for his flight on www.seatguru.com
If he's traveling on the CX 747, I've heard that the bulk head rows on the
upper deck are good for extra room.
5) Yes, in business class, you have NR headsets. I used the Studio CX IFE
system and watched movies, TV shows, listened to music, etc no problem.
6) If you do want to rent DVD player, you'll need the Empower adapter.

Enjoy! Hope this helps!

Does anyone know if you still get the triple miles if you are flying on the same direct from JFK--HKG in J but using the AA code share?
Thanks!

Must be a Cathay flight number CX 831/830 to get the triple miles and CX 889/888 will only get double miles (JFK/HKG).

As discusses ad nauseam here, they aren't "true" NR headsets, just big and padded. They block noise out fine. Not quite what AA gives out in F, but better than what BA gives out in F.

Just let the poor man fly in peace. If he's not a seasoned traveller, then having miles may or may not work for him. If he has no FF account, just enrol him in AAdvantage. I think someone else has to take care of his FF enrolment and challenge.

He'd enjoy the CX experience... wine, dine and entertainment on board. No need to tell him what to expect. He'd be pleasantly surprised.

If he'd rent a DVD player... when/where does he intend to return it?