Ok great. I just transferred 1000 AMEX points into each British Airways and Iberia Plus accounts. Now I have 80k in BA and 1000 in Iberia. I did this to make sure those accounts are valid and open them up to future transfers.

As for flying, I can take Southwest to someplace on a separate flight since I have points and the companion pass already, keeping that leg cheap depending on which city is best. Any suggestions there? Also, now that I have transferred from AMEX to Iberia Plus, you are saying that will enable me to transfer direct from BA?

If an AMEX transfer bonus to BA comes up again, I will transfer them all to BA, that is why I wanted to ask. You have been very helpful, sorry for all the questions but not accustomed to using this for overseas travel.