I'm flying from BHM or ATL, but would be willing to schelp up to NY if it enabled a more comfortable flight.

I've changed in JNB before, not a fan.

I've sat on the ground in DKR before, not psyched about changing planes there.

Can't afford BE.

If I wanted to do an Z upgrade, it seems like flying from JFK would be smarter because then it's a single flight number allowing for a single upgrade.

The z upgrade appears to be available on my flight down (2/26 or 2/27) but not my return (3/20 or 3/21).

(It seems if I flew ATL-DKR-CPT it counts as two flights and two Z upgrades.)

An alternative is to fly KLM changing in Amsterdam. Perhaps there are even other options I'm not aware of.

I'd love to do Virgin Premium Economy but loathe losing my SkyMiles. I don't see a similar option anywhere within SkyTeam.