I jump seated to SYD in March, getting there was a breeze on United aside from the CO/UA computer changeover issues they were having.

I had planned to take United back to LAX, but a Canceled flight due to MX forced me into buying a ticket on Delta. Purchased the ticket 5 mins before they closed check-in it was cheaper to buy a round trip ticket though non refundable it was $1,200.

To me worth every penny I had a great seat in economy I think it was economy plus or something similar it was a bulkhead with tons of leg room. I can't wait to get back to Australia to see more, I think I will just buy a round trip ticket to start of with next time just for the peace of mind it brings.