ok - still confused about one thing... and i realise it's probably just my lack of experience booking tickets to more out of the way places...

using Continental: do flights that are branded Continental Express or Continental Connection (ie operated by ExpressJet, CommutAir, GulfStream, CapeAir etc) count for this $2700 non-refundable approach?

and is this true for the other major players - DL, AA etc.

thanks so much for bearing with such newbie basic questions...