Good points! Howerver I do not think that UA's cheap price is due to the labor disbutes since all routes from the Westcoast is generally cheaper. I don't know about the services of the UA, NW's service is sub-par on the DTW-PEK route. My Dad flies from IAH-DTW-PEK all the time and now he is thinking to quit using NW and start using UA. If he is thinking of moving, I think everyone will have to think, since he spends most of his time flying throughout the year!

Another reason for the West-coast is my brother works in SF so it is cool to stay over there. I don't know how much it would be if I stay in SF for a couple of days then continue on my long journey.

Al