New York to SGN (Return) on Revenue tix, mid July. Best route/ carrier?

[There'sOnlyOneJimmy]

My daughter +1 need to travel New York (any) - SGN return, out about 1:00am 17 July, back about 11:00pm 29 July.
Both travelling on AUS Passports.
I’m paying, so it’s economy…
Options seem to include transits in one of HND, ICN, TPE, and possibly others.
Carriers seem to include JAL, OZ, KAL, EVA, and possibly others.
Questions:
1. Any recommendations regarding one carrier versus another?
2. Any recommendations regarding one transit port versus another?
3. Any information regarding current transit / border restrictions? (I’m aware of current VN border requirements for AUS Passport holders travelling from AUS)
4. Looking in the various carrier’s websites, prices seem pretty high (about AUD$1,000 each way for economy ). Is this normal?
5. I normally do all my own bookings, but I might need help with this one. Any recommendations of a Travel Agent (not a chain like WebJet or Flight Centre…) that could assist?

 

[daft009]

For 5, you could try @madrooster on here as he is a travel agent and a regular guest on the AFF podcasts

 

[AIRwin]

1. Any recommendations regarding one carrier versus another?

What frequent flyer programme(s) is she a member of?

 

[Quickstatus]

You forgot/omitted
6. duration of travel,
7. duration at transit port
8. potential transfer from one transit port to another

An example is JAL -
30 hrs total trip time with a 9 hr layover in Japan and with transit transfer from NRT to HND

I would suggest an alternative:

JFK-FRA-SGN with Vietnam Airlines/Delta airlines
The first sector is operated by DL and the second sector by VN. Each will codeshare with the other).
So buy a ticket via DL or VN but make sure both sectors are ticketed by the same airline.

I am also not keen about any transit layover of less than 3 hours. My minimum is 3hrs to mitigate against any delays in NYC airports. Some of the above airlines have a transit time of 2 hrs.

I like VN, they appear to be a good airline and have had some good experiences