If I start in TLV, which is I think the Middle East region of Europe/Middle East, would the following itinerary be valid?I think it complies with all the rules, such two intercontinental arrivals and departures in North America, and being permitted an origination/destination surface sector within the Middle East, and only one transcon in North America and Australia, but I'm not completely sure about the TC1-TC2-TC3 business. As I see it, the routing is:

If I wanted to go to South Africa instead of South America, is there a way to work that in at the start or end, or would that violate the rule E.g., if I triedwould that violate the rule?

Technically both look good, although in the last one I'd opt for either CX non-stop JNB-HKG or QR via DOH for a much better business class experience. BA business class sucks IMO. I would avoid BA business class at all costs unless you are booking through BA and upgrading to F with Avios.

Now, depending on who is ticketing this you may encounter issues as both include actual 16 flight segments. While that in itself is allowed, what has been overlooked are the following rules, which by anecdotal evidence of BA's interpretation would mean you have 17 segments as they count the Origin (TLV) - Destination (DOH) surface segment as one of the 16 segments.

Based on your routing and choice of destinations, it appears this is may be geared as a mileage run. Unless you are going to JNB for a specific purpose like to catch a short flight to the bush for a Safari, I would recommend switching from JNB to CPT as it is much nicer and has a lot more to offer IMO. HOWEVER, check what the status on water is in Cape Town as they are experiencing a severe water crisis. My last time there was last year and while it was bad then, hardly noticeable to tourists. I was unaware until I visited friends and they provided me more details,.none of which were provided by the hotel. Needless to say, I changed my whole water usage pattern. You may wish to Google and check the latest news. JNB is very poor, a lot of crime, and many of the newer hotels are in compounds with shops and restaurants; Melrose Arch being an example. I stayed there for a few days and have no desire to go back. The only other place I've been that garners the same categorization is Maputo.

Ooh, I hadn't considered that.

Yes, you can't return to LHR from South Africa before onward travel to Asia.

The final surface sector does not require a flight coupon, so it will not contribute to the hard limit of sixteen coupons per ticket booklet. Perhaps AA would issue it if BA will not.

Thank you, that's terrific.