Wow, OK, so they lie when AS's Web site says, "CO to South America." It's really COPA? (See http://www.alaskaair.com/mileageplan/AwardsSAmerica.asp for the award chart.)

No wonder it's 25-50,000 miles cheaper than everyone else...

Is LAN any good, then? What airline would you recommend? Looks like Delta and American also go there (unless they're lying about that, too.) Someone mentioned Brazil--They're not listed as partners with AS.

I also have enough United miles to go coach...should I do that and save my AS miles for a whizz-bang first trip on BA to Australia (wrong way around the world and REALLY get my miles' worth)? Or heck, I found a ticket from LAX sub-$1000--should I just buy it and EARN MORE miles? (When am I ever going to USE my miles?!)