MRU-JNB-CPT-JNB-HKG-CMB-HKG-BOM-HKG-JFK-YVR-DFW-ANC-DFW-YVR-LHR-DXB-LHR-JNB-MRU.

I know I have an extra segment to use in NA. Also the CMB and (I believe?) BOM segments have no first, correct? Are there better options from a mileage perspective that have first?

Help is much appreciated.

JNB-HKG has seasonal F and typically only 2-class during the dates that DFW-ANC is operating (no compensation if your flight gets downgraded); JNB-SYD does have F year round but requires another continent if you still want the Asia segments.

Interesting thought. I would probably do JNB-HKG when there is an F cabin and then chill out at home before heading to ANC. But an interesting suggestion that I'll think about, thanks!

Which FF plan are you with? Would a run similar to HKG-DPS-HKG which I believe has a 3-class 744 on accumlate more miles than a J class to CMB / BOM?

NRT / KIX would also be an option if this was the case, although if you are with BA / QF then NRT doesn't cross the magical 2000mile mark. Finally CTS (~2100 miles) would be an option as there are a couple of flights a week using the 346 / 744.

It limits your choice admittedly - you're looking at HKG - DPS - HKG - <Japan> - HKG if you stick with first, but it stops you flying at crappy hours into crappy airports. If, however, you're not interested in visiting Bali / Japan then this info is of course useless.

It raises a question about timing, given an assumption (erroneous?) about your intentions re mileage.

CX stops FC service to JNB in about 2 weeks and doesn't resume it (according to EF) until late October (28th to be exact.) So if the RTW is part of an intended status run, would you have enough time remaining in 2007 to get to your status tier if your first flight wasn't until then? Or are you intending to get to MRU before the last FC flight out on 25 March (F0 A1 J3 C0 D0)?

Otherwise, could you do the itinerary in reverse? MRU-LHR etc... -HKG-JNB-CPT-JNB? That way you could start pretty much any time between now and Sept. in order to get to ANC during the AA season (May-Sept) and just delay the return to Africa to coincide with CX's FC service.

The AONE5 option would cost US$820 more or so, but a route like MRU-JNB-CPT-JNB-SYD-AKL-SYD-HKG-SIN-HKG-JFK-YVR-DFW-ANC-DFW-YVR-LHR-DXB-LHR-JNB-MRU would up your FC percentage to something like 90% of all flown miles, vs. something like 63% in your current itinerary, provided JNB-HKG is in D, not A.

The route does occasionally get a 744 on it, but I have never seen it sold as 3-class, so you're only going to get miles for J, even if you are in an F seat.

I have flown HKG-CMB several times in order to begin a separate ticket in CMB. I don't like that route, as the equipment offers a fairly uncomfortable biz cabin. Further, you stop enroute, some days in BKK and some days in SIN. Thus, you basically have 2 2 hour flights, arriving very late at night in CMB, and leaving very early in the morning.

I much preferred my flight to Sapporo, even though in biz - and on the return I was put in the F cabin as the plane was configured for 3 classes though sold as 2. Tokyo of course offers 1st class. I'd give up a few miles to fly int'l first class.