The story is too long and too gruesome to relate in detail.  Confirmed reservations that weren’t confirmed, “E” tickets that couldn’t be picked up without paper tickets that couldn’t be issued

and a $100 fee for the fictional paper tickets.  Total incompetence and flat-out lies from literally every person we spoke to, and there were a lot of calls!  We spent hours on hold from international locations while we received an incredible variety of false reassurances and incorrect information.

We finally called our professional, reliable travel agent in the US and in 15 minutes we were taken care of.  Beware of Expedia.com and use a good travel agency.  The cost on the face of it may be a little higher, but there won’t be any hidden fees. Actually, the fare was lower through our agent.  More importantly, you will actually get where you wanted to go.  Expedia.com will leave you stranded.