I will be heading to Paris for the first half of next year's Olympics. I plan to be in Europe a few days early, then return about a week into the event after the last of my tickets. My wife and kids did not wish to come with me, and I'm meeting my parents there but they'll be there before and after so we're travelling separately.
Yesterday I managed to grab a JL flight on a 77W LHR-HND, for 70k Asia Miles + $800 (of which most is APD). There was no EU>TYO flight that connected to HND-SYD or NRT-MEL as a through itinerary, so I took this while it was available. There does appear to be a second seat available on the flight, so if HND-SYD opens up today I may be able to get them to change my reservation for another 20k Asia Miles.
There's tons of availability on NH J on a 789 for HND-SYD (often both daily frequencies) so in a couple of days when the calendar opens up, I plan to grab that with the last of my LifeMiles.
I've flown JL business class with the Apex Suites config before SYD-NRT (back before it switched to HND). I recall it being fine, but it was daytime so I didn't try to sleep and I don't know how good the sleep is. I've also seen comments that this flight may switch to the new JL 35K by then, but there are no details yet of the J product.
I have access to US Amex MR, and enough to cover a couple of long-hauls now, but more when I transfer AUD points in a year or two.
Considering other options that might appear over the next few days:
Stick with JL LHR-HND on 77W (maybe 35K)?
pro: LHR T3 lounges: Cathay, Qantas, Centurion
Take AF CDG-HND/SIN/ICN (or similar) on 77W (or 359, 789) if it opens up?
pro: I suspect more comfortable for a man of my height (186cm), maybe better Western food
con: 70k Asia Miles on the books for the upcoming deval
Take JL LHR-SYD (same flight), in F, if it's still available when AA calendar opens up?
pro: I have tons of AA miles, the increment is small (90k vs 75k), Cathay First Lounge, high-end champagne, I can probably add a connection from CDG or somewhere else in BA J and then have much-reduced taxes/fees
con: 70k remaining Asia Miles, not sure if the seat is that much better?, not into caviar
Yesterday I managed to grab a JL flight on a 77W LHR-HND, for 70k Asia Miles + $800 (of which most is APD). There was no EU>TYO flight that connected to HND-SYD or NRT-MEL as a through itinerary, so I took this while it was available. There does appear to be a second seat available on the flight, so if HND-SYD opens up today I may be able to get them to change my reservation for another 20k Asia Miles.
There's tons of availability on NH J on a 789 for HND-SYD (often both daily frequencies) so in a couple of days when the calendar opens up, I plan to grab that with the last of my LifeMiles.
I've flown JL business class with the Apex Suites config before SYD-NRT (back before it switched to HND). I recall it being fine, but it was daytime so I didn't try to sleep and I don't know how good the sleep is. I've also seen comments that this flight may switch to the new JL 35K by then, but there are no details yet of the J product.
I have access to US Amex MR, and enough to cover a couple of long-hauls now, but more when I transfer AUD points in a year or two.
Considering other options that might appear over the next few days:
Stick with JL LHR-HND on 77W (maybe 35K)?
pro: LHR T3 lounges: Cathay, Qantas, Centurion
Take AF CDG-HND/SIN/ICN (or similar) on 77W (or 359, 789) if it opens up?
pro: I suspect more comfortable for a man of my height (186cm), maybe better Western food
con: 70k Asia Miles on the books for the upcoming deval
Take JL LHR-SYD (same flight), in F, if it's still available when AA calendar opens up?
pro: I have tons of AA miles, the increment is small (90k vs 75k), Cathay First Lounge, high-end champagne, I can probably add a connection from CDG or somewhere else in BA J and then have much-reduced taxes/fees
con: 70k remaining Asia Miles, not sure if the seat is that much better?, not into caviar
