I’m surprised by so many Fters opting for the non-stop options!! Just think of the extra tier points!!!

Perhaps like some, the OP is quite happy taking extra time to enjoy the journey and flying vs just wanting to get there quickly. I’m certainly someone as a leisure flyer who enjoys the journey as much as the destination! Whilst sensible and practical advice is always welcomed on here, many outside FT would simply find FTers bonkers for flight hopping to Hawaii just to get a shiny gold card!

So if the OP is happy to get to NYC via a slightly different route then why not! Like any journey, fingers crossed it all goes to plan.