Thanks, everyone for the suggestions; I'm adding some clarifications and follow-up questions below
Originally Posted by
Blumie
Where are you originating from? If from the DC area, consider flying AA to JFK. They certainly interline with BA, and you could purchase a day pass (which includes wifi) to use the AA lounge at JFK upon arrival without exiting the secure area.
Yes, I'm originating in the DC area. AA is an option, but the price is much better with JetBlue, and I'm kind of interested in trying B6 because I know a lot of people who love this airline.
Do people think the AA lounge is much nicer than the UA lounge? How about AA v UA v "The Lounge"?
Originally Posted by
blort
Moreover, if you are originating from DC, why not just take Amtrak to NYC? You can then take the Long Island Railroad directly from NY Penn Station to Jamaica, then the Airtrain to JFK from there. Those are all very easy transfers to make.
I think the train should give you enough comfort to budget far less than a 12 hour layover. If the train is delayed for hours, it's either because of a freak Amtrak problem (5% likelihood) or bad weather (95% likelihood), in which case your flight to Asia probably isn't leaving anyway.
The train is my backup plan if flights are cancelled but Amtrak still is running; it just seems like a lot more hassle to take multiple trains than flying, in terms of managing my connections among three trains and dragging my luggage around (I do not travel light).
Originally Posted by
sbm12
There is not an interline agreement between B6 and BA. B6 only has a dozen or so right now with other carriers.
Yes, your understanding is more or less correct. I love T5 but it is not a quiet place to work. There is free WiFi and it is a relatively nice terminal as airports go, with good food options and a nice vibe to it. But definitely not a quiet place to work.
Outside security the WiFi is still free but there are precious few seats/plugs available for passengers.
In short, I'd probably avoid T5 as your "lounge" plan.
I believe you can also buy in to the Oasis but maybe not. Other than that I believe that you have identified the options you have correctly.
The RCC can be a sauna when the weather is warm and there aren't many decent food options inside. Technically it is a single visit pass that you are buying so if you chose to wander around in the terminal you'd have to buy in a second time, though odds are that the agents would overlook this.
I'd also consider that if you have to check bags then you need the BA counters to be open and accepting bags for your flight. If they are not then you'll not get into T7 anyways as you'll still have your bags so the UA RCC won't be an option anyways.
Thanks for all the detailed information and for confirming some of my research. Just to clarify, I'm flying on CX but booked with the BA one partner award. It probably doesn't make a difference since BA and CX share a terminal, and it appears that BA personnel even do check-in for some CX flights. Is there a separate CX ticketing counter, or is that shared with BA?