Have you ever flown LATAM? I've heard that they're quite good. I also hear very good things about Aeromexico.
I like to break up my trips, as you plan to do. Mexico was in January, with Hong Kong in May (United through ORD - yuck). This summer has a variety of possible adventures. There will be at least one long weekend road trip - possibly to Waterton Lake. There will also be a long weekend fly away trip. I'm not sure where that trip will take us.