I'm considering a trip in early November. I'd like to eventually book it as First so was looking at the options. I'm going to use membership rewards as I've still got the 50% back option for a bit longer given when I signed on with the card.

My wife's account doesn't quite have enough and she doesn't have the plat bus card so will book just with mine. I was considering booking business using the Insider fare's on AMEX's site with the perfect RT AA flights. 180K points RT but then 90K will come back so 45K each way business. Not stellar but given using AA points way more best I'd do I'd think and I'd rather get the segments and dollars(I assume I still get MQDs even though MR points used?)

Then I was planning on using business extra points for my first upgrade and 15K for my wife. Am I able to use my AA miles for her upgrade given I'm the primary booking and booked under same record locator? I'm told also that the booking fare class would be considered a flex ticket meaning there would be no copay to upgrade so that would be it. I find having the extra rooms on the redeye, having the lounge experience(Quantas LA/Flagship Dining JFK) and Flagship check in both places is worth it.

I looked into using MR points for First, only shows one right now but did have insider fares so about 70K miles after 50% return each way. Wouldn't make sense except if I can't upgrade her with my miles I'd need to transfer miles or buy miles for her account to get to 15K. Wondering if makes sense to book myself in business and her in first then do my upgrade to first instead of paying to transfer/buy miles.

Last question. We've spent time in the Flagship lounge JFK, it was the day before they opened the Dining section. It was morning after a red eye and we had a connection on that same ticket that was delayed. If we are arriving at the end of a flight would we have access to the lounge and dining in the same way even without an upcoming flight? I wouldn't typically access a lounge after my last flight but being we arrive early getting a good breakfast before heading downtown makes a lot of sense, we'd not be able to check in so early I'm sure.