ok, final answer. rebooked (again!) so i'm at least getting some UA miles, and this time going to GIG instead of GRU.
Priceline: 3/2 LAX-LIM-GRU-SCL (LA, JJ, JJ), 3/6 SCL-GIG (LA), 3/9 GIG-GRU-ORD-LAX (JJ, UA, AA) (i tried to get ORD-LAX on UA but couldn't make it come up)
$409.36
EDIT: according to aa.com and .bomb, LIM-GRU-SCL booked in JJ V, which is 100% RDM/EQM on UA, but GIG-GRU is U, which is zip.
Also, LAX-LIM is LA metal but booked in what appears to be JJ L. if JJ L = LA L, it's 100% on AA. doubt it and not going to hold my breath, though.
Last edited by jonk; Nov 26, 2012 at 1:39 am