OK well after discussing with my colleagues, we've decided we are going to aim for YVR departures. We would like to avoid SEA unless funding issues dictate otherwise.

I managed to find flights from YVR - PHX - IAH - MSY (same itinerary back) via America West for the first 2 legs and Continental for the final leg for $570 CAD. That's the lowest so far.

Ideally we'd love to see something for $450 from YVR, but anything $550 or less would be great.

Travel dates are now Apr 13 - Apr 18