ex-JNB RTW: Changes, Options
 

Mrs. Kir and myself will be starting our ex-JNB RTW next month, thanks to all of the great advice received from fellow FT'ers. And yes, we will actually be stopping at a number of destinations along the way! The current routing is:

JNB-HKG-DPS-HKG-SFO-MIA-GCM-MIA-DFW-ANC-DFW-LHR-TLV-BCN-HEL-LHR-JNB

issued by AA as a DONE4 at the OLD ex-JNB fare. Yes, I know there are plenty of options to increase the mileage and that is why I am writing with what I hope are couple of easily answered questions.

First, it would appear that any routing changes need to be made AFTER departure from JNB, otherwise the re-issued ticket will be re-priced at the NEW ex-JNB fare, at least according to the AA RTW desk. However, in order to gain an additional segment in NA, there is now the option to take the AA154 direct service NRT-MIA, which means that I will not have the luxury of CX trans-pacific service. This may be offset somewhat by the possibility of using AA miles to upgrade from D to F class. So that is my major dilemma at the moment, no CX to NA and go with AA and try to upgrade with miles from D to F (Pacific coffin service notwithstanding!).

The other consideration is that AA RTW desk has advised me that I can take my ticket to CX (after departure from JNB) and they will re-issue the ticket based on itinerary changes made with AA. This is something that I had not heard of before. So the question is whether CX can in fact re-issue an AA RTW ticket, which would then allow us to make our way from HKG to NRT and beyond. This would be done in HKG on the way back from DPS.

Anyone willing to take stab at this be my guest! All replies most welcome.

Sounds like you should be talking with the troubleshooters at the RTW Desk. As long as you do not change the JNB-HKG segment, your fare can not be recalculated. Changes are allowed to the rest of the ticket for no charge before you start travel. One catch is that if your trip becomes more than 16 segments long you will need to have your tickets handwritten. You can wait till HKG to change your ticket and pay the 75.00. One of the "plusses" of Oneworld is that each member can change the others tickets. CX should not have a problem if you do it there. Also you will have burned off a couple legs making it easier to reissue. And try the AA NRT-MIA. The long hauls are actually good service. Keep us posted at FT.

Thanks for the advice. Ticketing changes have been worked out with AA at no charge as per the rules. The revised itinerary is:

JNB-HKG-DPS-HKG-NRT-MIA-GCM-JFK-YVR-DFW-ANC-DFW-LHR-TLV-BCN-HEL-LHR-CPT-JNB,

which will no doubt be subject to additional changes later on in the trip!

Do I dare ask how many miles this will give you? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Wow! I would assume that this trip alone would give you some kind of elite status?

My take, while I am not all that familiar with around the world tickets, is to fly Cathay. I consider American, sorry, very average.

I have seldom heard so many wonderful things about an airline than I have Cathay. I will be able to say more in 2 months when I as well fly to South Africa on CX.

Please! do a trip report. I think that your trip report would be utterly popular on here.

Have fun!

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Michael
AA PLT,1 MLN Miles+
HH GLD, SCI GLD, MM SIL
LE PRESIDENT ETERNEL DE CAMAIR-CAMEROUN AIRLINES :)