Trying to Buy a Plane Ticket without taken out a 2nd mortgage

Jerry and I are going to visit Vietnam in the fall.  We're trying to get business class tickets that don't require forgoing the payment of Jason's college tuition!!!  Geez...the hoops to jump through.  Frequent Flyer seats? nope none.  Try flying to a city close by on FF miles? nope not there either?  Can I use my American Express point and the companion airfare?  yes...but NOT together..."we're two different agencies"..."you need to talk with American Express Platinum, not American Express Rewards"...sigh.  On hold for 15 minutes with Platinum...the clock strikes 8...and I'm cut off...because...well gee, it's time for them to close up shop..who cares if I've been on hold.  Call back tomorrow. There will probably be blackout dates to contend with.GRRRRR.  the price of adventure and having a bad back that just won't do coach seats anymore for 32 hours of flying time split between 3 planes...uggh.