Okay, this leads to a lot more questions. I apologize in advance, and should probably just call a Star agent, but thought some people here might know off the top of their head. I've read through the rules and stuff already.

My trip isn't until next year. I was planning on buying a ticket out of South Africa, since they seem reasonably cheap, it's somewhere I want to go, and I can get there on frequent flyer miles. From what I understand I can do this from the U.S.

Now, this is a long ways off. My first international segment isn't go to be until, oh, mid- to late-October of 2003. Travel will run through late-March 2004. It doesn't seem feasible to book tickets now, since schedules are bound to change, but how early would folks recommend I do it? 6 months before departure?

Also, I see something in the Star rules under Advance Reservation, for ticketing worldwide outside of US/Europe/etc., that "reservations and ticket issuance must be made at any time prior to departure for sectors up to including the first international sector. Other sectors may be booked at any time." What do they mean by resevations? When do you have to pick what countries you want to fly, and on what dates?

Also, later I see a section on Penalties for Changes. That whole section confuses me, the way it's formatted in the other thread. What are the rules for travel out of Africa? Do I have to list my cities when I purchase and then ticket them later, hoping the routes are still in effect so I don't get a change fee? Also, when it says $75 fee for a reissue, is that per city you change, or can you rebook everything entirely, picking new cities, for one $75 fee?

A final question has to do with cancellations. It says for travel originating outside North America, no penalties apply prior to departure. That doesn't sound right. If I'm ticketted, and decide not to go (or to postpone) for some reason, I can get a full refund?