And the folks at China Southern could not have been nicer. I called their LA office to get my (lie-flat) seats and the rep emailed me my itinerary (I cannot access it on CS website),
BTW - China Eastern was also an option but I never had to go there.
Next time I am looking to book a Skymiles seat I am going to Kayak first to see all the possible routes so I can educate the Delta rep.