I'm probably wanting to have my cake and eat it at the same time.

I'm looking at AC because they are the most direct route for me to take, and it also means I don't need to go through customs in the US and Canada.

I know I can get PE cheaper with other airlines. Work are paying for the flights, so I'm just hoping to get AC closer to the $5000 AUD or just under and that way I can make a case to fly with them, rather than a cheaper airline on a worse route.