Thanks for replies.

Hagband Viking - I'm from NYC area. I don't even like to go through Chicago when going out west, I certainly wouldn't back-track to go to Europe - 7 hours is long enough (to LHR). Both TWA and AA couldn't make it to Rome from US (JFK and ORD respectively) - what a shame. I hope AA retains JFK - MXP (Milan) and that TWA didn't sell JFK Rome.

Rmccamy - (1) When you refer to upgrades, do any AA partner airlines or OW airlines allow upgades on paid fares? If not, what upgrades are you referring to?
(2) I prefer to travel non-stop, rather than switch in London - I lost a good part of a day (about 3 hours connection time plus two takeoffs & landings) last week. So while the AA/BA connection is a possibility, it's not my preference. Are there any partners/ow lines that fly non-stop to France, Italy, etc?