I know that this is a couple of weeks old but I haven't been able to get onto FlyerTalk for a while.
I did some more research myself and understand the "transit" in LAX and how it works.
For the questions asking why I'm choosing AA and "going out of my way" the flights are pretty much the same length of time if I went through the middle east or asia.
I'm flying business class March 29th to April 11th. Prices are getting ridiculous. The cheapest was Vietnam Airlines but that includes a 15 hour layover on the way home. Even with lounge access, no thanks.
Qantas was $7k. Singapore was $6.7k Etihad and Emirates were $7k etc.
American was $6k even.
Plus, this isn't the first time I'm flying to Europe and I'm either going through Asia or Dubai. I don't have an issue with this, but I'm the kind of person who actually really loves the flying and the airports and going to the US would be a new adventure to me - even if it's a little more hassle to some. I'm flying solo so idc about lines etc.