Originally Posted by
stephem
It can be done, but it takes lots of digging and creativity. I’ve gotten 5 U awards on AA starting in Seattle and going to Europe, and I’ve done it twice in 2018. I got SEA-DFW-LHR-PMI in August and SEA-LAX-LHR in December. We flew back via CAI on cheap one way J fares we found ex-CAI (which are no longer available) which we upgraded to F (CAI-LHR-LAX) on the trans atlantic (AA) sector. You have enough miles for the AA NA-EU biz awards for 4 pax one way. Maybe start looking for those and then see if you can find the other direction with your other points/miles and some cash+upgrades.
If OP wants to use the SWUs and keep the Y-upgradeable ticket prices reasonable, it would be best to book 2 RTs with the miles and purchase (via points) RT discount Y to use the SWUs on. It's a shame that OP isn't doing it in reverse as Y TATL fares ex-Italy tend to run 75% of equivalent fare ex-NorthAm.