Steve, if one wouldnt want to spend the day in NY it would probably make more sense to connect in europe nonstop to LAX to avoid having to go through customs and get his luggage in NY which would be the US port of entry, is that correct?
Also LAX to TLV can be redeemed on any *A member via ANA (transfer from MR 1-1 or from SPG 20K-25K) 65K in Economy and 105K in Business. As was already discussed on another thread, this would make most sense only if there is availability on US carriers (CO,US or UA...) as ANA passes on the fuel surcharges which makes redeeming them on LH or LX questionable.
Im not a PRO with ANA
Also I booked a flight for Shavoth what I booked wasnt availble to a non-Plat, so the key is also to if Purchasing miles (Im not telling anyone to do so!) to do so from someone who has top level status as they will have more flights Maybe available to chose from. And no Im not selling any of my miles so no plug intended from Me (if I was I would post it in that Forum and not on this 1)
So ANA might be 10k less but there wont be anything available , while with a CO Plat or US Chairman youd pay 10k more but probably have a few extra flights to chose from
also Im booked on CO in Coach no BF available but as a Plat I can change my booking at any time for $0, once a person is booked with ANA I believe if they can make any changes they will have to pay each time. I believe SPG to US is still 1-1 to UA or CO its 2 SPG per 1 mile not the way to go. Id sooner trade my SPG with someone who wants to unload their CO if there is anyone.
As for Customs & Imm I never went thru LAX did SFO last year and it was OK. But I hate LAX more then JFK or EWR, you need a plane to get from the Gate to Baggage more so then at EWR or JFK. I just like the idea of having a better seat for the whole trip. again if a person can score the CO 752 out of LA to EWR then it would be OK otherwise why sit in a plain FC seat when you can instead have a lie-flat seat and better entertainment system and usually much better service when on an Intl flight, as well as better food to boot.