jsloan

While BR TPAC is a fantastic product, they operate a variety of aircraft between HKG and TPE, some of which are not lie-flat. If lie-flat all the way is a priority, OP needs to make sure to choose a flight with Royal Laurel service (any of the 777s).

SVG_A5

OK so I read about how terrible CA is and how they cancel confirmed flights ugh...not a fan. But taking out PEK as a connection leaves me with just 2 choices at the 80k saver level...I also have to arrive in HKG for a wedding on Jan 5th so that also is constraining...decisions decisions

@jsloan
Wow flying Swiss back seems like an adventure all it's own! 32h flight time!

@Hipplewm
Will do...i'm getting ahead of this early so I don't mess up my booking but will post what I'd like when I find it. Taking out PEK as a connection really limits the choices though...argh

garkster

OP, another option, if you have the time and are willing to book a separate ticket LAX/SFO and get to SFO in plenty of time, best day before, is to look at SFO/HKG. This will open up some BR flights, and also TPAC where UA is the carrier to PEK and CA only has the PEK/HKG leg.

jmanirish

OP shouldn't lose sight of short the second leg may be. In the case of EVA through TPE, I think most would be okay with non lie flat for the 1hr 50min TPE-HKG flight.

Kacee

Absolutely. Especially since angle flat or recliners are really the norm on intra-Asia regional routes.

Kevin Adams

I would recommend it, if you have the time.

SVG_A5

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and advice! I'm going to keep reviewing the United website to see what options pop up and will update this thread when I get closer to booking. Thanks so much!

PsiFighter37

I did check 1/3, and if you are willing to do the LAX-SFO hop, there is J availability on BR from SFO-TPE.

Rumples

I do the LAX - HKG route often, and it's always on BR from LAX - TPE - HKG.

It's a great product and the service is amazing.

I did the OZ in first and that was fine too, but BR always wins me over.

SVG_A5

Hi Folks! Firstly, thanks to all who originally replied to this thread! It helped me get my head wrapped around the right routes and options for my flight - so thanks! Long story short, I almost didn't go on this trip due to a conflict but that resolved itself in late November 2017 so I ended up scrambling for a flight out...this didn't leave me with many options as I did when I first started looking! Here's what I ended up booking:

LAX -> ICN on Asiana Business Class
ICN -> HKG on Thai Airways Business Class

On the return:

HKG -> ICN on Asiana Business Class
ICN -> LAX on Asiana First Class

Total Points and Fees: 230,000 miles + $82.16

I'm not sure if this was an efficient use of points, but given the limited availability at the time of booking this was all that was available at the Saver prices. Overall, this trip turned out great for me! South Korea airport was pretty efficient, nice and calm. I had a long layover in S Korea during my trip over to Hong Kong but I have a Priority Pass via Chase so I was able to check out all the lounges in the area! The First class upgrade on the leg back really made the flying experience a different and truly memorable one. My friends asked me how it was and I have to say I don't think I can ever go back to coach on international flights, but I also can't afford to fly business/first again - so this maybe I stop flying international altogether! lol Thanks again all!

findark

Then it was a good use of miles. 3-cabin F is by the far the most "efficient" use on a compared-to-revenue-ticket basis, and if you feel like you got value from it, then it's a great deal.