I feel like the advice I'm getting is that the schedule has to be relaxed. The LST commitment is fixed, but maybe I can move the ROC one and fly LST-MEL at 1645 on QF, then connect onwards via SYD-NRT/LAX-ORD. Thanks for the warnings.

I'm still curious, though - if there isn't protection from misconnects, what benefit (other than a free snack and drink, and the ability to earn QF points on the highest fares and to redeem QF points) is there to booking the QF code on the JQ flights? Is it just there to simplify the rules on through QF international fares with AU domestic connections (eg 'book on QF flight numbers only')? If JQ is an LCC, why not call it one and not have QF-coded flights on it?

in the case of global explorer it is so they have more destinations and routes available to non aussies (and kiwis)

but codeshare not in place just for global explorer - serves other purposes also such as ability to offer award bookings

JQ is 100% owned by QF. Having the QF codeshares on some -- but not all -- JQ flights is part of the pretense that JQ is a separate airline and not operated as part of QF. This pretense is vital to the JQ labour model (otherwise the workers can claim that they are employed by QF and should get the same working conditions as other QF employees). There is no other reason, the whole JQ/QF structure is for the convenience of management and the (in)convenience of pax. Some of the QF flight services are mandated by law -- i.e. QF got past subsidies (some going back to when it was state owned) based upon providing service on certain routes; and those commitments are still in force. So QF must fly certain routes; but has discovered the codeshare loophole, letting it fly a virtual plane (with virtual service). Overall the discrepancy of QF on JQ vs. QF is simply too great, and I am surprised that it is allowed to go on. But that is politics in action.

Actually, even though it is not applicable in this case, JetStar does provide limited baggage connectivity between selected flights. For baggage to be through checked (transferred) (where it is provided) your flights must be in the same booking (ie. Have the same booking reference number).

More here:

• JetStar - Connecting Flight

number_6 is correct, connecting at MEL is far easier.

Another thing to note is the E/F is showing L0 on the codeshares (QF5742,QF5744).

Have you considered: LST-MEL-HGK-JFK-ROC?

Thanks for the link, but sheesh what a terribly designed table.

Thanks for the help. Minor correction to serfty that AA fly from both ORD and DFW to ROC. The reason not to do JFK is that all but three notoriously delayed DL Connection flights from JFK to ROC are operated by B6, which is itself hard to interline to, being an LCC, and you don't want to take QF107 to JFK without misconnection protection!

I decided to solve the problem by reorganizing my trip and making this part a simple US-Australia return, and also by accepting a later return to ROC. I'll do the RTW another time. The QF Aussie Airpass is so cheap that if you're prepared to fly in Y, it's an excellent deal (USD 1315 all-in for LAX-SYD-CBR-MEL-LST-MEL-SYD-LAX, all on QF, books in Q which isn't mileage-earning on AA, but I can wake up my dormant QF account for that price, and plenty of availability.)