Good day to all,

I agree with V2tk's comments, unless you are totally set on an upgrade with other carriers, Qantas has loads of flights and the economy was much, much better then any US based domestic carrier in economy.

On a side note, if you are looking for accomodation options, 30 minutes outside of Cairns is a place called Trinity Beach and we stayed at this amazing place called Trinity on the Esplanade. The owner took her incredible home and added 3 units including a top floor penthouse which we stayed in for 1 week. Fitted with a pool, breakfast included every day baby grand piano, incredible balinese antiques, great furniture, bathrooms, bed, et al...

Rent a convertible and venture out for a few days...great dive boats out of Port Douglas as well...sorry to digress from the actual question..got a bit carried away..

Enjoy and good luck!