First snag - I attemped to sign up for those flights that I have no choice but to fly Rex, and the website won't let you register if your surname has less than three characters. The call centre operator suggested I just "add an extra letter" (face palm!).

I've sampled this seat to/from Europe in the last few days, and I agree with the reviews - it is my new favourite business class seat. Waaaaaaay better than the QF J seats. No recline is not a problem.

Most of the Finnair crews to/from HKG, BKK and SIN are based in the Asian hubs. Like all crews, most are adequate, some are fantastic, and some are pretty ordinary. I've had some awful native Finnish crews on my flights with them, and my most recent flight to/from SIN and HKG were excellent.

QF won't sell you a LHR fare via a competitor.You need to book a Finnair flight from SYD-LHR, and pick the corresponding QF flight to get you to SIN or BKK. Just make sure you don't pick a BA flight to SIN.

That hasn't been my experience with CX. Cathay have always exercised discretion at HKG, HND and LHR when I've travelled with children, and allowed them in with my partner when I was the sole status holder. Same for EK lounges at DXB and AKL.The JL, QR, BA, AY, IB, MH and AA lounges OTOH, well the...