Originally Posted by
andymcdonnell
AA fly direct but it's 752 & they're not all upgraded so thinking I should avoid on the outbound? That leaves AA 772, BA 744 or BA 788 via LHR. Flown upper deck 744 a few times, is this still best option? What's next best?
For the return should I just use AA752 as its overnight or should I go via LHR for more miles & tier points? If so, is 788 from EWR in Y that bad? Finally, as BA Silver is there any likelihood of an upgrade on the return and if so am I better to fly from JFK?
Outbound: Have a look on whether you can fly EI on a BA codeshare, that will give you the TPs and Avios, as well as being a good option in Business class. Note the prices to Hartford, it's only a very short hop from NYC. But note the equipment type and whether it's operated by EI or a contractor (e.g. ASL's 757). Otherwise, given the options above, I would either go Upper Deck, it remains a fantastic way to fly, or 787-8 or 787-9 to somewhere sensible. Or the A318 from LCY if you want something interesting.
Return: if in 787 avoid World Traveller, or use your Avios to upgrade out of it. If you can get a refitted Super J 747 then that's probably a good option, Aer Lingus is also there of course. For upgrades then you really can't presume anything, though EWR seems more proactive offering cash upgrades, on the other hand JFK has more flexibility, particularly if you are HBO. In the absence of Aer Lingus, I would still consider the 747 Super J for WT, though to be honest, at Economy level no-one is going to stand out, it's - well - economy travelling. AA will potentially offer you Main Cabin Extra, subject to availability and your dates of flying.