I'm gathering you just pay taxes on DL... no fare component? We pay zed low on CX or medium on others, so if someone wants to take QF/DL etc there are usually deals in US of USD$700-900rtn in economy for confirmed seat to stimulate travel here,for us to travel the other way return is another matter!! (more $$). So in terms of comparison to a zed it isn't much more for a confirmed seat, but if you pay taxes only a lot more I guess. But a confirmed seat then upgrades on miles sounds like a good idea...

I couldn't tell you what time is a good time to nonrev here... I never had trouble in March/April on QF. Had a LOT of trouble in October/November, and my friend had a lot of trouble on DL this month.

Are you just doing SYD or other places? First time?