thanks for all the advise. I think that we will hold on the Vancouver-Sydney flight as they seem to have added an additional flight (AC45) for that day
( according to the latest update off the on-line schedule). The agent informed me that the fight (AC33) was wide open, so.... Also we are on SQ 12 on our return and will have to go through LAX, so I would rather not have to go through the states twice. Unless, of course Air NZ opens their direct flight.
Once again thanks for the advise.