Thanks for the thoughts. The aim is gain the most miles (EQM) with AA. We will both loose our Explat status in Feb, so there won't be any eVIP's to use to upgrade to first sadly. AA will issue the tickets.

I didn't think of using the AA codeshare on BA to DXB or MCT. Do we need to fly with AA transatlantic to book that, or can the AARTW desk book those even if we fly with BA from YVR? We went to IST last summer, so HEL (using AY for the extra bonus miles) was the next best option.

Since a DONE4 is only $1000 more, we might even think of doing that- never been to South America before...