Originally Posted by
guv1976
The AA co-branded credit cards only give a free checked bag on wholly domestic AA itineraries. If you purchase regular Economy, you would each get a free checked bag, and free seat selection at time of booking of non-preferred Economy seats. With Basic Economy, you'd have to pay for checked baggage and advance seat selection, although you could use your Amex credit to pay for (part of) those charges.
I think that the connection through PHL could be easier than connections through other U S. airports. I would also be looking at total travel time, and how many later nonstops there are to DFW from each of the other airports you are considering.
I would go either via PHL or MAD.
I avoid connecting in London whenever possible as it’s long connections and security between terminals, and they are VERY strict on liquids. On a relatively recent flight thru LHR, I had cleared customs in multiple other countries and several cities in the U.S. during a four-week work trip across numerous continents; yet their sensitive scanners found like six things - I am talking a lipstick with some Vaseline, 1/2 ounce of lotion, not full water bottles I forgot. With small kids, I think that’s apt to be particularly annoying.
I have transited thru PHL several times in the last 2 years flying from BCN, and it’s been very smooth and efficient.
MAD I have had the occasional bad experience in Iberia support or lost bags (I live in Spain, so I have a lot of Iberia flights under my belt), but have also had many great experiences, including multiple transatlantic upgrades as AA Platinum. Also sometimes AA can help on rebooking if you have an issue if you are booking via AA but on IB metal. This happened to me in Sept, had terrible customer service experience with IB and called AA Platinum and was rebooked in 5 minutes on preferred flight with desired exit row seat.
the lounges at Barajas are super nice if you have access via Priority Pass/OneWorld.