Using AA Advantage redemptions, how many awards would be needed to travel LAX > GRU > MEL?

Using AA Advantage redemptions, how many awards would be needed to travel LAX > GRU > MEL? Ideally J awards. Any suggestions on the most economical way, point wise, to achieve this?

If you are planning to stop at GRU then you're looking at two awards;

1. LAX/GRU
2. GRU/MEL.

Not quite sure why GRU if you're not planning to stop. There are no direct flights for GRU/MEL.

Hi TRB - yes, I'll be staying in GRU for a week at least  - maybe more. Looking at the AA website I wasn't sure if the GRU > MEL leg would be two awards, due to the zones I'd have to travel through.

GRU/MEL is one award at 82,500 award miles in Business. You're only allowed to travel via the Pacific. So your options are AA, QF or LA.

I think your best bet would be with AA via LAX and SYD. Your chances of scoring transpacific redemptions on QF metal is extremely low withouth months of prior planning.

LA goes via SCL, AKL and SYD - I wouldn't do this route.

AA on the 77W via LAX and SYD seems like a reasonable option. I'd imagine the co-payments are relatively low too (unlike with QF).

Thanks for the advice TRB.

With the AA options, from what I can see, they seem to have long layovers involved. For example, GRU to LAX arrives at 0705 and the AA flight to SYD doesn't leave until 2240.

With the LA options, are there any particular downsides you see?

AA only does on service between GRU and LAX. Your chances of scoring a U inventory is quite slim.

I would route via MIA where there are 4 daily services between GRU and MIA (AA and JJ). MIA/LAX there are 8 daily services.

Alternative route via JFK; MIA/JFK where there are 2 daily services (AA and JJ). Again there are many options for JFK/LAX.

My advise to you is to think outside the box and get an Expertflyer subscription.

I can't see any downside with the LAX options (I presume you mean Los Angeles and not Lan Chile). If I had to be stuck at a US airport I'd rather it be LAX. Plenty of hotels close to the airport, agreeable weather, Manhattan Beach shopping district close by and you're close to the ocean.

On your last point, I was referring to LAN Chile. You mentioned in your earlier post that you would prefer not to fly GRU>SCL>AKL>MEl - I was just wondering why you had those thoughts.

If you choose to route via MIA/JFK etc, does that still count as one award? Assuming space/cabin is available of course.

Thanks again for your help.

Ah my apologies. 

I would discount LA primarily on the basis that it's a daily flight on an oligopolistic route i.e. only served by QF and LA, two carriers in the same alliance, who codeshare on this route. Chances of securing a U inventory is slim. 

The beauty of Aadvantage award redemption is the ability to develop varied itineraries using multiple stops and airlines for the same mileage as going direct. So long as you do not breach the maximum miles, which I don't think you will.

It must be my lucky night! I phoned the AA reservation line and was able to secure a J booking, GRU > SCL>AKL with LA on the 787 and then QF to MEL.

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.

Excellent!