Thanks for all the comments---lots to consider! I was thinking we might find lunch in the lounge, but it doesn't sound like it. Is there actually a Jamie Oliver restaurant in the airport? That would be a nice option if it exists.

What is a G-MEDK? I thought to Venice flight would be one of BA's regular short-haul Airbus planes (A-319?) but I have not checked.

This flight isn't until next September and if we want to fly CE with Avios I have to book today or tomorrow when the seats are released. I like the 2:00 Gatwick flight as it allows us a leisurely trip to the airport, and a 5:00 pm arrival into Venice. We will head to Venice 2 days after flying SEA to LHR in J (booked). I like to break up the trip with a stopover in/near London; otherwise if booked on one ticket, the flight from SEA (BA 48) arrives too late for the LHR flight to VCE and we have to transfer airports. Not fun after the long-haul flight; we did that once and that was enough.

I could try and get our outbound flight on a day when BA 52 is offered; that one arrives at LHR in time to connect with the 8:55 flight to VCE. But I have so seldom seen that flight offered for Avios booking it seems a slim possibility.