Thank you for your replies, stingwest and nova. It's the "possibly IAD-ORD" part that I'd like to figure out! Sting, you say it should be pretty clear on the web site, but I don't see that!! Sorry if I'm not seeing something that should be evident. If the 20k plus $550 is for ZRH-IAD-(and)ORD, then I think it's a good deal. How do I determine whether it IS the entire route, before hitting the pay button? Sting, where would it say ZRH-ORD? I note that "3 seats" were available for ZRH-IAD, but IAD-ORD is noted as waitlist only.

A further note: I'm upgraded ORD-FRA (and on to ZRH on single-class) with "R" availability that popped up yesterday. I'm watching to see if my husband can also move 'up' but that has not happened yet. Fingers crossed. His offer for buy-up for the entire trip is not $1100. It's $900+ (can't recall exact amt right now) plus 40k miles. I'm hoping he gets his "R" upgrade, which should reduce his return to 20K $550, the same as my offer.