Good suggestion. There is availability on the early LAX-SYD flight (the "day" flight) and SCL-LAX is ok as well. When we originally booked the tickets, we booked the connection in JFK for the extra 2000 miles (3000 AA EQP) which barely put both of us at EXP. The direct SCL-SYD (which amazingly has D under the QF codeshare for that day) would mean missing EXP. There's been additional travel this year, so we could be OK with a reroute through LAX, but it would be very close. Also, I know a reissue would involve fees of $125 x 2, but would we also get slammed with additional fuel surcharges?

Thanks for your help.