I'm trying to get back from RIX to DFW in First departing on 4/3 and looking for a way to do it with AMEX MRs. I think I've settled on using Star Alliance for these legs since they take half as long as others. AMEX has Aeroplan, ANA and Singapore as transfer partners.

So far, the best I've been able to find is United doing RIX-FRA-IAD-DFW via Lufthansa/United for 170K UA points and $65.90, but I'm not sure who to transfer to from AMEX to get the best rate. It would be especially awesome if I could get onto Emirates First for part of it, but can't even search RIX for that. I checked the award charts and Singapore seems like the best value, but then it also says the flights have to be operated by Singapore.

I'm a bit lost on where to go from here and would appreciate any tips!

So you have the miles cost & cash cost from the UA ffp
Awards are limited and it may go if you do not act quickly. Awards in first/business class are very limited and go very quickly. You are not the only person hoping for a first class award into DFW

Any other ffp may/will have different costs. Especially the cash co pay fee.

This web site has the miles award cost for some ffp's. Note due the changes in ffp's in the last year it may not be accurate. It does not include the cash surcharges/co pay fee which can be a lot of $$$
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...demptions.html

I see that option on United but I don't know how to book it. I'm trying to search for it on Aeroplan's website but not finding the same flights; only seeing options with the transcon leg in economy.

The best I can actually find that seems bookable is if I change my destination to JFK and use Aeroplan to book RIX-IST-JFK but it's got an overnight in Turkey.

Am I overlooking any other good possibilities? I know I'm not good enough at this to have found the best available option...