Originally Posted by
Eastbay1K
I recall reading that the Club Economy cabin is being downgraded to euro-business type seating (it is currently like domestic US F). I don't know the timing on this. If there's an upgrade to F&B service, I can't imagine what it is. There's no beer/wine/spirits. There's no PDB. For a short hop it is fine.
By upgrades I meant ways the meal service is better than coach, not that the meal service was getting any better than in the past.
Back to the original question, the almost-4-hours timing for the connection really depends on your risk tolerance. There is definitely a chance -- again, on any airline, not specific to AR -- that a shorthaul flight could for whatever reason get delayed 3+ hours and then, worst case, UA might potentially say they owe you nothing in terms of rebooking you, and you could have to buy a new last-minute ticket to get home. (UA also might take pity on you and rebook you the next day, especially if you have UA status, but they are not obligated to do so.)
Personally in such a situation I would come back to BA the day before your departure and spend another day there, even if you will have already had a bunch of time there earlier in your trip. But all up to your risk tolerance. If you don't want to spend the night, then I would agree that having a day trip through BA could make sense -- I don't have any specific suggestions on where to go but I'm sure you could find some options.