Using Google flights, looks like there are one way coach tickets to NYC and WAS for under $300 one way with connections. Not terrible pricing for one way if you can find a routing that's not too painful. IB nonstop BCN-JFK is $384. If you had Amex or Chase points you could transfer points to Avios and use around 22K Avios one way. You didn't mention the prices you were seeing so not sure what you think a bargain is. Also agree it might be a bit early to commit unless cancel/change fees were minimal.