Originally Posted by
TraciBaker
I just discovered this great forum! I will be traveling in Nov. 2019 - LHR to PHX in Premium, Economy (I think you refer to it as WTP?) - After MUCH looking and asking--I have settled on seats 15 AB (I'd prefer 12 AB, but they won't assign bulkhead ahead) - anyway-- I am so excited--after reading thorough zillions of pages -- to have learned about the equipment names (G-CIVD, etc.) - it's fun! I have really heard bad things about the BA 747-400's - but I am encouraged to see that I have a shot at least of getting one with an updated cabin with better IFE-- although since we in Phoenix are low of the food chain for BA...I am not holding my breath. But I will hope... I was so paranoid about the old planes that I booked one leg (Going over PHX to LHR on AA- once of their 777-200s. That was not an option for me on the way home...so, I am on the 747-400 with BA. I used basoource.com to see the PHX equipment history using the tracker--that was fun--and I really enjoyed all the information shared here--you guys are MUCH nicer than the Cruise Critic forum I am on! :-)
So.... what I learned about the seats in the Premium Economy (WTP?) cabin on the 747-400 (52 WC seats) - I think all this research is PRE any refurbishing
Row 15 seats on an aisle seem to have movable armrests-- seem like no others do
Most of the foot rests seem to be broken.
IFE screens are suckey--small and 90's distorted - when working
Bathrooms are not an issue in row 15, although you are served food & drink last, but apparently there is an ability to recline well in this row (?) - oh and the Club seating Galley snacks could be easily obtained (LOL)
By all accounts the lack of movable armrests make seat feel narrower and if someone is reclined in front of you (except bulkhead of course) standing up is not happening and one must bend a great deal and awkwardly slide to get out of the seat
Generally all reports cited good legroom in all seats
Location of this cabin in apparently near to some exit stairs...so getting off first is usually talked about as a plus in what I read
Would love to hear any more you guys have on the planes used for Phoenix routes and the WTP class on the 747-400s on BA...
Cheers--Traci
I've flown 6 BA CW UD return flights from PHX and have never had a refreshed plane. After your trip, please compare the new AA flight with your BA experience for us. It's going to be a new frontier having a choice.
That said, I really have no complaints with BA. It's convenient to get on a plane, have dinner, rest a bit and arrive in London in the afternoon without changing planes! The food has been decent to good, the crew members have been friendly and helpful and my only complaint is that BA 288 and 289 seem to have a habit of departing late. The IFE is a relic but load up an iPad and all you are missing is the moving map. Be sure though to watch the safety video: it's a hoot. I would prefer to arrive at T5 since we usually connect out of there but it's not difficult to transit from T3.
I think many of the prolific posters here are very frequent fliers and, because they spend so much time in the air, differences between airline products are important to them. For many of us, these trips are an adventure and flying BA to or from PHX is about as low stress and convenient as it gets. And you get to fly on a 747!!! They ARE old but hey they won't be around forever and you will be glad to be able to say you flew on one.
Enjoy your trip! BA will be fine and in the end, I think you will be happy you have a nonstop trip home.