As an AA EXP, I receive upgrade instruments which allow me to upgrade. Also, as an EXP, I get a 100% mileage bonus (in other words, double miles) when flying AA. Additionally, AA has a double miles promotion for New York-based flyers through the end of the year for an additional 100% (in other words, triple miles).

Thanks for the comment on AZ, but I don't think it's a good alternative for me, at least for the trip from New York. If I fly AA across the pond ("TATL," by the way, is used on at least the AA board to mean trans-Atlantic), I get the chance to fly in Biz for an economy fare, lounge access and the perks of status, and triple RDMs. I have no status on any SkyTeam carrier so at best would only get single miles, am not planning to buy a bizclass fare, so would be stuck in the back, and since I'll be ending my trip in Germany, would presumably then have to fly back to Italy to connect on AZ to get home or else fly home on DL. The last time I flew DL across the Atlantic, they diverted my plane to ATL and kept me there for 3 days, so it's not an appealing choice for me.