If you are the employee or retiree your options are a great deal more than the buddy pass.Alternate routes could include code share partners (KLM AF & AZ) cities AMS CDG FRA FCO.Also consider an Eurail Pass - Yes Train Service - if you get to europe and have three days toplay the game then check out that possibility if air service looks impossible.Early pre-summer travel that you have planned should pose no problem (embargoed UK servicedue to summer olympic games) so you could also include LHR.Consider buying a economy ticket on a non code share partner - check the other airline(s)website for schedule and fares.rma