For dates I checked, going through GRU and then to IAH on the 3-class 777 each way would be $2700 r.t. Fortaleza to LAX. Going through GIG and IAH on the 2-class 777 each way would be $3700 r.t. Going to LAX through GIG and IAh on the 2-class 777 and returning via EWR and using the 2-class 767 would cost $3200. Late last week, first class on the 3-class 777 was only $400 more than biz r.t., but that disappeared. Since then, fares have gone up and down.

No option to go through EWR (767) each way showing on United.com, and when I called UA, the agent said she could only give me options showing on United.com (there is a flight from GRU to EWR on that date, but it doesn't come up among options to LAX). Right now leaning towards going via GIG and IAH and returning via EWR.

My wife would not tolerate facing backwards (doesn't even like to sit that way on a subway train). We could, of course, select seats to avoid that, though seat selection isn't necessarily guaranteed, and there seem other drawbacks to the 3-class 777.

BTW, we found biz class on the Delta 767s quite roomy. US Airways option perhaps the roomiest we've taken, but their fares have gone way up.