Originally Posted by Adelphos

Mainly to access lounges at TXL and LHR, plus I expect I would be exhausted from the trip. I would like a premium seat during part of the trip. Also there doesn't appear to be business or first availibility from LHR.

I have Alaska miles. I will look into that.

EDIT - Alaska does have coach flights on AA that work for me to LHR for 30K + $15.
Avios would cost 20K+$249 for the same class. Thanks for that tip, Alaska looks a bit better, plus I can build that balance up easily via CC spend on my Alaska card or by crediting Delta flights to Alaska.

Now the question is should I spend 49,000 Avios on business class back to JFK or 69,000 for first (fees are the same at $400).

EDIT 2 - Booked AA via Alaska. Miles and fee are fully refundable until April, so I'm glad to have locked that in. Will likely book the BA flights tomorrow.