For whatever reason, row 1 in First is reserved for Gold card holders until much closer to the flight time. Even if you have a Silver/Bronze/Blue companion flying on the booking with you, you'll be blocked from selecting the two seats in row 1 (as I was in LHR-CPT booking).

The LHR-JFK route runs all 747 or 777. I think your parents would be well positioned in a middle pair, where they can see one another. Alternatively try and position yourself as all window seats, say 2, 3, 4. On the 747 1A/K are almost like buddy seats, despite what the seat plan shows (if you can't get both, it's private enough but quite close to an unknown).

NYC itself:
- The best viewing platform by faaaar is Rockefeller. Up top there's no glass for a clear view - nothing else offers this - and you can see the Empire State from there. The new Freedom Tower is the worst of them all, I'd avoid it. Empire State is ok, but tighter and less view than Rock.
- If you're looking for a cheeky burger, the dive place behind the curtain at the 5* Parker (nearish to Central Park) is great.
- Grab a last second Broadway (or off-B) show, tickets can be much better priced if you don't care about having the best seats.

Hit all the Concorder Rooms (CCR). Oh, and phone 'You First' the *second* it's t-minus a fortnight to book in Elemis treatments (I've never been able to book one before, given laughable availability).

Enjoy it!