Am thinking of doing a DONE4 later this year. Does anyone have any suggestions or improvements for the following? (Am a Plat QFF after my last DONE4 in Jan - thanks to all who helped with that one also)

ADL/DRW/MEL/NRT/HKG/KUL/HKG/LHR/LED/LHR/IST/LHR/LAX/SJU/EWR/ORD/
LNK/ORD/LAX/SYD/ADL.

Actual Miles: 47435
QF SC 1500

The actual destination is LNK. This itinerary is the max 20 segments. The ADL-LNK sectors will be over 20 days. I didn't think that I could face doing a turn around in DXB or Karachi (I know, I know, call me weak!) and LED and IST sound interesting. I decided not to buy the ORD/LNK/ORD as a separate ticket because the DONE4 should give me enought flexibility make date changes if I need to with short notice which a cheap ticket will not.

Thanks for all the tips on the board that I've picked up already.

Medicus

It looks like a valid itinerary to me. In terms of improvements it depends what you are trying to achieve. For pure miles there are a few improvements possible...

In Asia you could replace KUL with CMB which others have reported as a relatively painless turnaround (or DPS/CGK).
ORD-JFK-SYD is more base miles than ORD-LAX-SYD although I guess maybe not so good if you can do the AA sector in First whereas the JFK-SYD would be in D all the way. You have the same problem with the SJU flights. You get miles for D, not A.

"ORD-JFK-SYD is more base miles than ORD-LAX-SYD although I guess maybe not so good if you can do the AA sector in First whereas the JFK-SYD would be in D all the way."

Thank you. That's an interesting idea. @:-) Do you know if it would be legal given that I would have already done the one allowable transcontinental trip (LAX-SJU)? Do they realise that NYC-SYD is via LAX and so I would in effect be doing two transcons?

There's one way to find out I suppose...

The segments are origin/destination regardless of whether they are direct or non-stop. In other words, there is a distinct difference between JFK-LAX-SYD and JFK-SYD via LAX. The first counts as two segments and one would be considered your transcon. The other is one segment and it is not considered your transcon irrespective of whether it goes through Los Angeles.

The short answer to your concern is that JFK-SYD is not considered a transcon flight. Do keep in mind, however, that it does not run every day whereas the LAX flight does.

Are you planning a turnaround in LED? You will still need a visa...and if you don't have one you will almost certainly be denied boarding at LHR. DXB would be an easier option!

Swanhunter is right about LED and the visa. It's the duty of the transporation provider to check that the traveller has a valid passport and visa for Russia before starting the journey (either by air/sea/rail/bus). If you want to stay inside Europe (and not try DXB) go to IST or HEL.

Thanks.

I am actually planning to spend a couple of days in LED, so would have to get a visa anyway. I have been to DXB and stayed for few days (One of my sisters used to live there) and I have no desire to return there any time soon. I thought that LED would be an interesting place to visit and do some sightseeing. Now if I can just find a cheap hotel...

Remember that summer time in St Petersburg is very popular and although hotel situation is getting better all the time, accomodation might sometimes be a problem. For St Petersburg's accomodation, I would use the service of a travel agent. I wouldn't go for the cheapest place because it might be in the suburbs (even if the subway system is good, you might have to walk a lot). Hotel St Petersburg and Moskva are among the most popular ones for mid-budget tourists.

Also remember that Pulkovo airport isn't the most accessible place, even if it looks like it's near a subway station. The taxi's at Pulkovo will be charging much more than normal taxis downtown.

For sightseeing, I would recommend boat trips on the canals. Also remember that museum entrance fees for tourist are higher than for locals. Sometimes it's better to have a pre-arranged sightseeing.