There’s a smattering of New York JFK – London Heathrow award availability for two passengers in three-cabin first class on American Airlines in April and May. There’s a smattering of Dallas Fort-Worth – Hong Kong availability for two passengers in three-cabin first class on American Airlines May through July. And a smattering of Los Angeles – Hong Kong availability for two passengers in three-cabin first class on American Airlines April, May and July through September.

Where space is absolutely best right now is New York JFK – Sao Paulo for next month.

American doesn’t have many routes left with international first class. The service is offered only onboard their 20 Boeing 777-300ERs. Availability for one passenger is far better on these routes than for two — the cabin itself seats only eight. So it seems notable when there are two award seats in international first.

That’s especially so since New York JFK offers new first class Flagship Dining, so does LAX, and so does Miami. This is open only to American’s own 3-cabin first class passengers (and Cathay first class passengers at New York JFK).

Flagship First Dining New York JFK

In addition to redeeming American AAdvantage miles,

• South America destinations are not unreasonable to redeem British Airways Avios, since there aren’t any fuel surcharges. British Airways charges 100,000 Avios each way. Chase and American Express points transfer to British Airways.

• These seats can be redeemed with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles, South America is 85,000 miles each way and Asia is 80,000 miles each way.

• Etihad charges just 62,500 miles each way for US-South America is first class and 67,500 each way for Southeast Asia. You can transfer Citibank and American Express points to Etihad.