I went with AA a while back because, in those days, I could combine US AIR with AA (anyone remember that??)?? Then the fell-through merger plans between UA and US AIR happened and severed the FF Program alliance with the AA and US Air (I have hated UA ever since). In those days for $80.00 (taxes included), I could get 5000 miles on one RT BOS-LGA shuttle flight.

Currently, AA is my choice because of its Alliance with CX and perks for EXP/Emerald, otherwise I will jump to Asia Miles/Marco Polo Club in a NY minute (I'm already a member of Asia Miles).

For South America, I recommend you stay with AA and use flights with the OWA (One World Alliance). JAL is great, but not a OWA member, at this time.

SHADO