I am looking at how to get a cheap F tickets to JFK. Choices are
ex-AMS at 2,700 pounds or ex-MLA at 2,300 pounds - my first ex-Europe lower fare venture given F from Heathrow is close to 4,000 pounds and to C from LHR which is around 2,000 pounds.

The down-side of MLA is that the lower fare uses Air Malta between MLA and LHR so only 2x180 tier points. Return fair to MLA is about 200 pounds. Does anyone know if there is a hotel near the airport to faciliate an overnight/early morning departure.

Although the fare ex-AMS is higher, there is 40 tier points more for LHR-AMS in C (assuming I am throwing away the LHR-AMS sector). There is also a transit hotel in the terminal and a Sheraton hotel joined to the airport by walkway. I know I can get a VLM economy ticket for 50 pound one way from City Airport which is convinient for me too.

I am think of a flight in January so MLA should have less snow problems (but there is always LHR problems in any case)

Has anyone have a view as to which is the better option?

Also, how do you say at JFK check-in, "can you please check me and my bags to LHR only. I would like to cancel the LHR to AMS booking" and what reaction do you expect to receive. Is it common practice ?

Thanks