Star vs. OneWorld
Jul 28, 2014, 1:59 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3
Star vs. OneWorld
Hello everyone!
I am a new member here, and have been living in Europe for the past several months. I am planning a trip to the States for Thanksgiving, and I am trying to find the best flight combination.
According to many of the major websites, there is nothing really available for less than $1,500. I have found that buying the tickets seperately I can get there for about $850.
I am planning to go from STR to LHR to LAX on 11/26.
I have found a good flight from LHR to LAX via Air New Zealand (Star Alliance) at 3:30 p.m.
My problem is with the first flight from STR to LHR. The option is to go with GermanWings (Star Alliance) arriving at LHR at 1:15 p.m. or British Airways (OneWorld) arriving at 12:05 p.m.
My question is: Is it better to go with GermanWings since they belong with the Star Alliance for the following connecting flight or should I go with British Airways since I'll have a longer layover time?
Which one would be the least hassle??? Essentially, would it be easier to conduct bagging with GermanWings rather than British Airways, or is there enough of a layover for the GermanWings flight?
Please let me know if this question belongs in a different thread, or if there is a section I should look into.
Thank you all in advance.
Best regards,
sonap
I am a new member here, and have been living in Europe for the past several months. I am planning a trip to the States for Thanksgiving, and I am trying to find the best flight combination.
According to many of the major websites, there is nothing really available for less than $1,500. I have found that buying the tickets seperately I can get there for about $850.
I am planning to go from STR to LHR to LAX on 11/26.
I have found a good flight from LHR to LAX via Air New Zealand (Star Alliance) at 3:30 p.m.
My problem is with the first flight from STR to LHR. The option is to go with GermanWings (Star Alliance) arriving at LHR at 1:15 p.m. or British Airways (OneWorld) arriving at 12:05 p.m.
My question is: Is it better to go with GermanWings since they belong with the Star Alliance for the following connecting flight or should I go with British Airways since I'll have a longer layover time?
Which one would be the least hassle??? Essentially, would it be easier to conduct bagging with GermanWings rather than British Airways, or is there enough of a layover for the GermanWings flight?
Please let me know if this question belongs in a different thread, or if there is a section I should look into.
Thank you all in advance.
Best regards,
sonap
Last edited by sonap; Jul 28, 2014 at 2:04 am Reason: Clarification
Jul 28, 2014, 4:34 am
#2
Used to be 'flymanbeast'
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Delta silver/marriot platinum
Posts: 2,795
Since you are buying separate tickets i would give myself as much lee way as i can if i were you . Also check to see if the terminals are even the same? that is a very good idea to check that.
Jul 28, 2014, 6:33 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
Programs: DL DM 2MM, BA Bronze, Various Hotels
Posts: 10,187
STR-LHR on BA will come into T5, STR-LHR on 4U comes into T1 (not sure if they plan to move to T2 or not). According to the LHR site, as of now, Air NZ uses T1, although I surmise they'll move to T2 with the rest of the *A carriers at some point.
Another thing to consider is baggage allowance; I would check both.
As far as the connection, do you plan to check baggage? Also, if making a landside connection, you'd need to clear passport control, collect baggage (unless checked through) and then make your way from T5 to T1/2...this could take time. I would not plan on BA transferring your baggage to NZ.
Another thing to consider is baggage allowance; I would check both.
As far as the connection, do you plan to check baggage? Also, if making a landside connection, you'd need to clear passport control, collect baggage (unless checked through) and then make your way from T5 to T1/2...this could take time. I would not plan on BA transferring your baggage to NZ.
Jul 28, 2014, 9:06 am
#7
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,510
By Thanksgiving all airlines scheduled to move should have moved to T2. However as already pointed out although Germanwings is owned by Lufthansa it is not a Star Alliance member. If the OP has baggage to check it might be best to ask Germanwings if it can be interlined with Air New Zealand. Just because it is not a Star Alliance airline it doesn't mean you cannot interline baggage.