Originally Posted by
librarygal
On an upcoming trip to Europe in 2015 we had the choice of a number of airlines to fly to London. Our friends and relatives all had their suggestions which one we should go on. Many of them really liked one airline over another.
I told them we would be flying coach and have no status or airline miles on any of them so a upgrade was out of the picture. Each of the choices were about the same price and had 31 inch pitch and 17.5 inch width. All offered food and video monitors and wide body planes.
So do you think our experience will be any different on one airline or another in economy class non stop from NYC to London?
Yes. Of course there are. But some people stick to a certain alliance and some people are more price sensitive customers and some people look for time schedules.
The US to UK flights are extremely safe and have modern equipment from all the carriers. Overall best is British Airways in economy class if you want best combination of service and seat room. Virgin Atlantic has the nicest lounge at the airport if that is important to you. Slightly less legroom but service is decent. Both airlines have modern first rate equipment.
Delta and American tend to be a tad worse. American has the new 777-300ER on the London route and Delta probably is still using the 767ER on this route which are older planes although Delta has put in new seating.
I wouldn't be hesitant to fly on any of the carriers and additional competition from Norwegian Air Shuttle to London Gatwick from JFK will also be in the mix soon on a Dreamliner which is a 767ER replacement for all practical purposes and should have a low cost structure.
Aer Lingus has also been a low cost alternative if you don't mind going a little out of the way for a cheaper fare.
But if you want the absolute best economy class, then British Airways would be the carrier of choice. American's new 777-300ER is tempting especially on the one world alliance with British Airways if these flights are available but expect better service + seating on British Airways flights.