Thanks for the information. I guess I won't die if I sit in the back; I've done it many times before. At least I know some colleagues on my flight to the US, so I can talk to them and there is some hope left for the return to China.

On a personal note, what does annoy me is that I paid more for the H fare hoping that it would increase my chances. Since it looks like I'll be in the back of the bus - for extra money - I'd say I made a bad gamble. Won't do that again.

Scott