I think 827/828 are operating for a shorter period this year. Per ExpertFlyer, the extra LAX-SYD is operating Mon/Thurs/Sat and the extra SYD-LAX on Mon/Wed/Sat. The extra sections start on 15-Dec and the last extra section from LAX is on 17-Jan. IIRC, last year they ran through early Feb, and in 2006 they ran through mid March.
Makes perfect sense as that is the absolutely
HEIGHT of the summer holiday travel season. The entire country closes down for that month basically, schools, Unis, and business.
Look up the CHEAPEST fare from east coast to SYD in that period and I'll bet it is double what they charge now. And planes will still be full.
Seeing UA has sacked nearly everyone with a pulse here in recent months good luck trying to sort out any issues via phone unless you you understand Philippine accents.
And the fact a 2 minute call now takes 20 mins and that issue is often not resolved at all.
