sure big companies with big expense accounts may purchase a "full" C ticket

but there are lots of cheaper creative alternatives

1. as mentioned above, try for an upgrade with miles

2. try for an award ticket (CX via BA or AA if you have those miles)

3. are two of you traveling? try Amex 2-for-1 (but may require a stopover on the way)

4. are you REALLY going to HKG? or are you using that as a transit point to the mainland? you can fly direct to CAN from LAX or to MFM via TPE

5. Flying via TPE is fine if you are willing to spend 2 more hours each way and save $5000. Fast connections in TPE to HKG (Okay C on BR or CI is not as good as CX but it is cheap)

but yes there are people who are paying $18k for first class r/t LAX/LHR!


good luck!