We must suffocate so the terrorists can't kill us.

[phongn]

Fortunately the extra cost of connecting through Vancouver or Toronto/Montreal is usually worth it in terms of time saved. Why so many "cheap flights" feel the need to route me through MSP, Houston, Chicago, Denver, or even better, a combination of two or more, is beyond me.

Those are major hub airports with large amounts of traffic so they'll be cheaper to fly in/out of.

[Phantasee]

Well, yes. I guess I exaggerated when I said it's beyond me. Still, a little ridiculous that it's cheaper to go YEG->MSP or worse, Houston, to LAX, over direct flights, or YEG->YVR/YYC/SFO->LAX.