Not exactly correct. Part of what you're labeling as a "tax" is probably a fuel surcharge, or some other part of the fare, as the normal taxes on a U.S.-Australia ticket are about $125. I have a ticket there myself on Qantas next month and that's what I'm paying in taxes.

Did you copy off the fare rules when you bought the ticket? What did it say about cancellation fees? Did you ask about just rescheduling the flight for a different date? What would that cost?

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