Business class to Europe

I've just booked my flights for a trip to Europe in 2009. I decided to fly via the USA for a few reasons:

• I feel like a relaxing day in Santa Monica;
• I want to try UA's new international business class; and
• it's a mileage thing

Tried to make my first reservation through Fright Centre and was told I couldn't do the routing I wanted on the fare I nominated. "Yes, I can." "No, that routing is not allowed." "Yes it is." "No it isn't." "Yes, I've done this fare before - it's allowed." "No, you can't go via the USA in both directions." "I can go via the USA in both directions." "You can't." "Have you checked the fare rules?" (Pause) "It's not allowed." "It is allowed. You can either check or put me through to another travel consultant. Your call." "Let me talk to my manager" (Pause) "OK, I've confirmed that it is allowed." "Oh, great, that's good to know."

Took a little negotiating, but in the end Fright Centre matched the fare on offer by bestflights.com.au. Of course it had to be paid for within 24 hours, and came with a $750 cancellation fee and a $350 date change fee. Fright Centre said these were airline charges and nothing to do with Fright Centre. Grrrr..

So on a whim I called Lufthansa. Call was answered by a super-efficient res agent (from Japan). Five minutes later I had the flights booked - same fare basis, cheaper fare!! And the cancellation fee was only $300 with nil date change fee. BINGO!

So I'm all set - MEL/LAX/MUC/BCN//LHR/MUC/LAX/MEL

BTW. The fare is excellent. It's a combined LH, UA, TG fare in business class. MEL/BKK on TG or MEL/LAX on UA... the rest of the way on Lufthi metal with a European sidetrip.