London
 

Am flying SDF to LON next summer. Will likely go business using AMEX MR points. Best service is out of either CVG on NYC -- JFK or EWR. Now MR points can equal DL, CO, US or Virgin points.

What airline would you fly using miles for the ticket or upgrade. DL flies 763's out of CVG which is really convenient. I know little of Co or Virgin. Any advice?

Go Virgin. You would need to check in on the VA board for details of when their super new flat bed seat hits EWR/JFK routes but you will find that at least a league ahead of any of the other carriers. Plus the lounges etc are pretty good to.

While I have never forgiven Virgin for once canceling my flight due to low passenger load and won't fly them, I believe that, since they are not a US carrier, you will not have to pay to transfer Amex miles to them, which would be another reason for you to choose them.

Summer FF tickets to LHR are few and far between, particularly if you have no status with the airline. UG's may be a bit easier, if you are talking about buying a qualifying ticket, and then paying points for an UG, you may have a chance, but slim.

The airlines almost never give an op UG, transatlantic.

Go to each site, and read about the complaints regarding getting a ff ticket in the summer to get a feeling for what can be done.