Originally Posted by
EWR764
I think AA/LA via LAX is your best combo if the dates work out.
I'd say the IAH stop is probably your #2 . IAH will have a Polaris lounge open by next February (at that point construction will have been underway for nearly two years; I think it's a safe bet) and if traveling with a significant other, the sCO BF seat on the 777 is a pleasant option. I doubt any of the 777-224ER fleet will be retrofit to Polaris by then. SCL-IAH is a 763 which will either be the sCO BE Diamond seat (again, good for a couple) or the Polaris seat, which is quite private, but less of an issue on the redeye and similar to the privacy/isolation of a reverse herringbone seat.
The DL option calls for an ATL transfer which adds the most circuity to your journey in both directions, so that would be the 3rd choice IMV.
I agree AA via LAX is by far the best option. But I would not be recommending the extra-short version of the sCO seat on the 763, unless you first confirm this guy and his SO are both under about 5'9" Otherwise, they will not be able to actually lay flat in it.
And the trip to IAH will be on some junky narrow 737 with sad service in F. I would take AA even if it was a DFW connection. SFO AA lounge is ok, Flagship lounge at DFW is nice (and unlike United, has showers), the fight to DWF will be on the new A321, which is a much more comfortable A/C, and you get the 772 with direct aisle access.
I agree on DL and another two hours east to connect. That said, I think DL flies the A330 on that route, and it has the direct aisle reverse harringbone seats, which are quite nice, and have enough length. Given a choice of a longer connection in ATL and the DL seat/service, I would take that easily over the el cheepo-delux seat/service on the sCO 763.