Please indulge me...my first post! I'm learning a lot from flyertalk!

August trip from BHM or possibly HSV to ARN, preferably through ATL. (easier to get home if stuck overnight in ATL) Advice on finding least expensive flts on DL, since it's on my dime? Of course, comfort and building miles is important. I might spring for economy comfort if it's worth it. Routing through ATL-JFK-ARN and ATL-AMS-ARN seem to be most abundant, but some of flts through AMS show 55 min layovers...is that adequate? If it matters, I'll be traveling with a non-medallion companion. Other tips...it's my first trip to Sweden and first trip over the pond, in a long time? Thank you!