Dechil and mecabq, thanks for your responses. At the moment the cost differential is $501.00

$1656.80 for a multi-airline itn through BRU on UA and 9W
$2157.00 for a very nice CO itin though EWR

I’m not sure that I can convince my travel companion $501.00 is a worthwhile price to pay to satisfy my MQM (mini)obsession. The BA itin seems to be a happy medium as it skirts the non-partner airlines issue. Any shot at an upgrade on CO or should I just forget about that?

Also, I’m very much aware that these prices seem to change on a daily basis so I’ll just continue to watch and hope for a KLM, AF or CO fare sale. Mecabq thanks for your thoughts on the value of miles, I realize that’s a personal thing but also just wanted to see what other FT had to say. Sometimes I need a little reality check.