I have very little experience with TAM/Lan etc. but I've run into a bit of a stumbling block trying to get family members from Brazil (GRU) to LAX and LAX to Brazil (GRU) with points.

I have points pretty much everywhere (1m + Starwood, 300k UR, 250k TY Points) but I am not sure the best way to book itineraries during peak season for two family members from GRU - LAX.

The only two non-stops are Korean (which my wife's family would not qualify as 'family' with) and American (which is through the roof expensive -- 75k one way economy.

I have considerable flexibility and would like to know about any other point redemptions/transfers people might use (and how to go about using them) on LAN/Tam/AeroMexico etc. Should I call up AA / British Airways to try to see what LAN is offering? Are there any particular sweet spots?

Thanks in Advance - hopefully this helps some others...

(For what it's worth the itineraries I need are in economy)

- LAX - GRU (August 1st or so)

- GRU - LAX December 23 or so)

Feel free to move if this is not the right place.

Thanks!

If the KE flights are available at low, they can be booked with AS or DL miles, plus other SkyTeam partners such as AF/KLM. However, KE has extensive blackout dates for award travel.

Why do you insist on nonstop? There should be a lot of AA flights (through MIA, for example, but perhaps NYC too). There's a DL routing through ATL. UA probably has service through IAH and perhaps other hubs.

I'm afraid you've hit on how points work. Availability isn't great if you try to book the cheaper levels, though (as you pointed out with AA) it is better if you use more (like double or triple).

You can check on BA's website for LAN offerings. For the 23rd there is a connecting flight through LIM in econ, for example.

It doesn't need to be non-stop.

The problem is that ultimate rewards --> Korean can only be made for "family" so I don't really know what to do as my sister-in-law isn't within that definition.

I must confess I don't know what AS or DL (Delta?) miles.

The issue isn't availability on Korean -- it's that I want to transfer points --> korean miles but then I can't use the miles on anyone but direct family as far as I know...

The AA flights are 75k miles one way (with stops)...

You can buy award tickets on KE flights with either AS = Alaska or DL = Delta miles. Neither program restricts redemptions to immediate family.

I checked out Alaska and it wasn't showing any availability for Korean Air. In fact, I've never seen it. Should I call them?

BTW I am attempting to get that flight on Dec 23rd stopping in Lima -- the system is acting up but i'm on the phone with BA!

Thanks for the tip!

Thanks for the tip. I don't know why this didn't come up earlier when I was looking.... I'd like to buy you a drink!

Although the guy at BA seems to deny that the flight is available even though it says there are 7 seats.......

Oh, and Alaska is cheaper for LAN to South America.

Do you have to call up Alaska to get this availability?

(Still on the phone with British and now it's disappeared online.... what a waste of time their support is....)

Luckily I took a screenshot of when it was available and the pricing page....

As far as I know, it should be the same as what BA shows.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not enough of an expert. I know for AA redeeming for Etihad people were talking about a workaround (calling an Australia number instead of the US one). You should go browse the BA or AA website for info on how to book LAN, or ask there. They should know more.

I'm not familiar with all of Korean's intricacies of family definition, but would your wife's family all qualify as family from her account? If so, transfer SPG from your account to her SPG account (allowed assuming you have same address on file for >= 30 days) and then she can transfer to her Korean account and book for them.

As for BA denying there's award availability on LAN, it could be phantom availability unfortunately. I've noticed it's often phantom when BA says there are 7 seats online for LAN/TAM flights.

AS does not book KE awards to SA.

They are very NA centric, most awards go from NA to the respective airline's hub/region. Yes there are exceptions, but they are relatively low.