just got off the phone w/ SE tix agent re YVR-SYD-YVR:

tells me the only fare that allows change to return while away is BLXAP12.

In order to get the system to quote this, you need to specifically request, otherwise it generates BLWAP3: 14 DAY ADVANCE for any changes to return portion! Plus, pay the $150 for the privilege...

What? I recall flying H last year and being able to change return while in Oz...

I'm booking Low Season;

H = $1962 (no changes permitted)
BLWAP3 = $2182
BLXAP12 = $2357

The issue for me is that I always need to be able to change returns when overseas. Last year I bought primarily H to accomplish this (B on some routings). It appears that fare class "adjustments" are the equivalent of gouging the consumer, but before I rush to judgement I'd appreciate hearing the wisdom of the FT'ers.

Any hints/help on clarifying my understanding of this Air Canada arcana?

One piece of advice for you, "Don't fly Air Canada". You have couple of choices on that route. That's my approach...

And if you fly out of the US, you avoid what seems to have become a very messy connection in HNL.

Though I just swapped war stories with a friend who came down to visit - he flew yyz-lax-syd and the xfer and re-check in lax sounded just as bad as the honolulu shuffle.

I don't necessarily agree, but having said that, the last time I came through HNL I swore I wouldn't fly AC unless I had no choice for this route, solely because of the poorly orchestrated transfer. [Though the concierge staff in HNL are the best I've met in the system, for sure.]

CX via HKG one year open $1800 cdn

Loads more miles....and some cheap electronics...

Nice friendly staff....

No HNL.

The AC flights via HNL are soooooooooo late.!

Do the AA gold challange!

The point about flying other carriers is not to avoid the messy connection in HNL. The main point is if AC chooses to gouge their flyers like this, don't fly them!! If you chooses to fly them and get gouged by them, don't complain and I definitely won't have any sympathy for you.

The company is just getting sicker by the seconds.

Empress...

Has AC done something to upset you..?

It's reading all these crap AC is pulling that's really pissing me off...

Of course, I am also getting myself in the "right" mood to meet Rupert tomorrow night.

Time to bring back CP.

Ahhhh.

I have been trying to find a flight to MIA out of YVR...

AC are twice the price on Expedia, CO are the best with UA a close second....

I guess this could be my first of many UA flights...

How can i tell if they have E+ on that route?

ALL UA flights have E+.

Not quite. The long haul international 777s do not have E+. The people over on the United board are quite puzzled about this.

You're right... forgot about that.

I'm not sure this is true....there has been discussion on the UA board to the effect that long haul 777s (from west coast US to Europe and transpacs) do not have E+ configuration.

But the 744s do...