Wow, thanks to all of you for the great input!! I definitely did think about HNL, but around this time of the year, Hawaii is ridiculous!! haha

Regardless, I will keep all of this in mind. And Air New Zealand doesn't have an agreement with AA? They definitely used to, as a friend of mine flew ZED on them, but that was easy 10 years ago.

So, which airlines do allow OALs in premium cabins? (Even economy+ is fine, I'll take what I can get.) Is it based on capacity of the lesser cabins if so?

And yes, did think about NRT as well, and I'm very comfortable with Japan now, one of my favorite places. Have also gotten both J and F on the DFW > NRT flight, excellent way to cover that much ground. (or air? haha)

Ultimately though, from what I'm seeing, I may just have to postpone my trip and do a lot more research altogether. Does anyone have experience with Singapore Air? I've heard their product in all cabins is superb and their economy seats are some of the best in the industry.