Ok, so SXF seems out :-) I'm checking on this for a friend - he knows my knowledge of the airline industry so he asked. He's attending a function next April (2004!) at Messe Berlin. He's flying out of SNA for convience mostly - he gets crabby when I mention LAX. I did some checking, and am guessing that the fares I see are standard rate (i.e. no discount, sales, etc. as it's too far in advance). The fares are within $50 (savings) between flying out of LAX & staying at SNA. He was thinking of several options: 1. UA through ORD and FRA then LH into TXL. 2. CO & AF through IAH & CDG. 3. AA & SwissAir through ORD or DFW and ZRH. 4. AA or UA through ORD & LHR, then BA into TXL. Opinions? Remember price is an issue, but he's not scraping to save $5 or even $100. - Blaine _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus