Okay Ive been researching Kayak, and I found flying out of Boston to be cheaper than the airport closest to me, Bradley International in northern Connecticut. My specific dates are March 23rd-25th departure and an April 10-11th return.

My budget is preferably 1200-1600 dollars for getting me to Melbourne and back. Ive found 1361 dollar flights, but on South China Air and the reviews for them do not make me comfortable.

What Im looking for is what is the best way to use the resources here to my advantage. Is South China Air a bad choice? My mom discourages me from one-way flights cause they "cause questions" from airport security, is this true? I just want to get to Melbourne and back in the cheapest way that doesnt put me in danger. Sorry if this post is all over the place.

EDIT: I should add that I am visiting a friend and have a room to stay in.
EDIT2: how come Kayak is showing me a lower price than the official airline site (South China Air).