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Trip Planning Advice - JFK-SFO, 767-200.
Dearest American Cousins ,
I am currently in the throws of researching, and possibly booking my sector from JFK-SFO.
I get one free (still pay taxes and charges!) staff business class ticket to anywhere on the BA network each year, for myself and whomever is names as my travel companion on my concessions. So, my mum would like to go to New York again, and then to San Francisco. Considering an open jaw from LHR, into JFK as we have so many flights a day to pick from, then back from SFO.
I could be creative and make up a booking to get from JFK to SFO and make it a Tier Point run, but I doubt mother would have the same enthusiasm for that as I would. So, I am looking to burn some Avios instead. As you will all no doubt be vastly aware, the JFK/SFO services operate on a 767-200, of which I have enough Avios for either Business or First Class to the west coast.
To me, there does not look to me a massive amount of difference in the offering between the cabins. Yes, a wider seat and fewer passengers, but in terms of food, it looks to be a decent choice in Business, and the flight that I am looking at is an 09:30 departure, so breakfast is breakfast really.
Total for the two of us is 50K Avios for Business, of 70K Avios for First.
I know a little about each cabin, but really not a massive amount. I have searched FT and also done some external searching, but need some road warrior advice as to which would be a better option for us.
All advice and information appreciated.
Very best Christmas Wishes to you all.
Warm Regards,
BBB
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I work for British Airways, my comments and opinions do not represent my employer. Current: 767/777/747(787) Past: A320/757
Not all JFK-SFO flights are three cabin 762s. Some are two cabin 763s and there are also a number of substitutions of 757s for the 762s when they go mechanical.
I think you will find F quite a bit nicer as long as the 20k avios don't mean anything to you. If you could use them for something else, J will be fine.
The dinner 762 flights are the only ones worth F for the catering.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pucnit
Why not look at flying into the west coast on a non stop on BA and working your way east.
Prefer the time difference going west, especially if breaking it up in New York, and better amount of time in each city. West to east travel looses too much time for me.
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I work for British Airways, my comments and opinions do not represent my employer. Current: 767/777/747(787) Past: A320/757
I think you and your Mum will be quite happy in business on the 762. It's a day-time flight so the value of the mostly flat seats available in first is negated.
I have traveled frequently in Business on the sfo-jfk redeye. Very comfortable, but with your mother, would recommend the flat First if you will have a night flight or she may like to lie down. If on a day-time flight, there may not be much of a difference.
If you will be flying west during sunset, be sure to book on the right hand side window, to catch the long beautiful view.
Yes, as advised above, make sure that you are in a 3 class aircraft.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elitetraveler
Not all JFK-SFO flights are three cabin 762s. Some are two cabin 763s and there are also a number of substitutions of 757s for the 762s when they go mechanical.
I think you will find F quite a bit nicer as long as the 20k avios don't mean anything to you. If you could use them for something else, J will be fine.
The dinner 762 flights are the only ones worth F for the catering.
Thanks for that... I did not realise that some of them were on 763 aircraft... I thought they were all on 762. I will double check which one I am booking when I do it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HNL
I think you and your Mum will be quite happy in business on the 762. It's a day-time flight so the value of the mostly flat seats available in first is negated.
Agree, save your Avios, after all for the same you could both fly in economy on a long weekend to somewhere in Western Europe. Business on the 762 is better than any domestically-configured AA first class cabin, with more legroom and a foot rest. Also, as was mentioned upthread, you can fly first on the two-cabin 763 for the same miles as business on he three-cabin 762, so that's another option at the lower redemption level. Good luck!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Microwave
Agree, save your Avios, after all for the same you could both fly in economy on a long weekend to somewhere in Western Europe. Business on the 762 is better than any domestically-configured AA first class cabin, with more legroom and a foot rest. Also, as was mentioned upthread, you can fly first on the two-cabin 763 for the same miles as business on he three-cabin 762, so that's another option at the lower redemption level. Good luck!
Ah... I see.
I had thought that if it was a 2 class aircraft, it would have been classed as First, and redemption would have been the same as a First seat on a 3 class aircraft, but, maybe, on that front, it is worth seeking out the 763 operated flights... If not, then Business on the 762 would seem to suffice.
I see on various seat map sights, there seem to be a lot of misaligned window seats on the 762, however, looking at the few cabin pictures I can find of the 762, thy don't seem to be that bad. Are there any which have blanks etc...?
Thanks,
BBB
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I work for British Airways, my comments and opinions do not represent my employer. Current: 767/777/747(787) Past: A320/757
I had thought that if it was a 2 class aircraft, it would have been classed as First, and redemption would have been the same as a First seat on a 3 class aircraft, but, maybe, on that front, it is worth seeking out the 763 operated flights... If not, then Business on the 762 would seem to suffice.
Your initial thought was correct. American sells the front cabin in two-class 763s as F, so BA will treat it as an F redemption. The confusion here comes from the fact that AA would only charge the same miles as for a J redemption, but since you're using Avios it's BA's rules that count.
I'll agree with most of the others saying that there's no particularly compelling reason to opt for F on this route. If it were an SFO->JFK redeye, the nicer seat in F would be worth thinking about, but it's not worth 20K Avios to get basically slightly better catering on the westbound routing.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jordyn
Your initial thought was correct. American sells the front cabin in two-class 763s as F, so BA will treat it as an F redemption. The confusion here comes from the fact that AA would only charge the same miles as for a J redemption, but since you're using Avios it's BA's rules that count.
I'll agree with most of the others saying that there's no particularly compelling reason to opt for F on this route. If it were an SFO->JFK redeye, the nicer seat in F would be worth thinking about, but it's not worth 20K Avios to get basically slightly better catering on the westbound routing.
Just priced it on BA for Avios on the 763 operated services and it comes in at 50K for 2 people to sit up front... So, that is what will be booked. Thanks for the assistance.
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I work for British Airways, my comments and opinions do not represent my employer. Current: 767/777/747(787) Past: A320/757
I agree that Business is sufficient, the difference isn't significant. You get a slightly better seat, salad mixed at your seat (w/ grilled chicken), slightly upgraded wines and a third entree selection.
If it were me, I would plan to take the departure operated by 767-300 (2-cabin) and you'll get the same seat as AA international business class but service and amenities identical to business class.
Enjoy your trip to the States.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BingBongBoy
Just priced it on BA for Avios on the 763 operated services and it comes in at 50K for 2 people to sit up front... So, that is what will be booked.
This is as expected, and I think you've done well. Domestic US flights booking into 2 class F are charged the business rate, but 3 class first are charged first. Enjoy!
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Since we know you enjoy the catering aspect:
Don't forget to book your seats with FEBO in mind to get your first meal choice. Another option I'd recommend... getting your AA record locator, going on the AA website, reviewing the reservation, and pre-selecting your meal in advance.
On a side note....I would recommend MIA-LAX on the 777 in F if you ever get the chance. That is a good use of AVIOS redemption, and it's like being in a Rolls Royce compared to a Ford Focus.
This is as expected, and I think you've done well. Domestic US flights booking into 2 class F are charged the business rate, but 3 class first are charged first. Enjoy!
This isn't usually the case with Avios. Generally, AA domestic F requires 3x the Avios (same as 3 cabin F). I just confirmed this by pricing out a few random domestic F itineraries on AA. They consistently price out at three times the economy rate.
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