My wife and I fly to OZ every year for six weeks during our Winter flying YYZ/YVR/BNE. The fare typically has been approximately $15K business lowest return for both of us.

Currently the fares on the AC website are $20K for two business lowest and a staggering $40K for two business flexible return tickets.

Questions for fellow flyers:

1/ What am I missing?

2/ I can fly YYZ/LAX/BNE on Virgin Australia for $16.3K return for both of us, the layovers are 3.5 hours and 5 hours respectively. Has anyone flown this route?

3/ I can fly YYZ/HKG/BNE on Cathay for $15.3K for both of us, the layover is 2.5 hours going and 1hour on the return leg. Has anyone flown this route?

We travel very light and only have carry on so worrying about checked luggage through LAX or HKG is not a problem.

Comments and suggestions would really be appreciated.