Probably been discussed many times before...but I can't find the thread.... How does one used BA Avios to book partner flights, such as on American, Cathay, Japan, etc... I mistakenly grabbed a couple of Chase cc offers last year or so, and now have 285K Avios, but shudder at the fee and fuel taxes on BA..

- Do I contact BA or partner to book flights out of USA? [US resident]
- Any suggestions on which partner has best availability and lowest fees/taxes? - Any restrictions on using them on Partner metal??
- ANYTHING else I should know other than never try to collect Avios again?
Thanks