Hello, I'm new to Flyertalk.

I'm looking at using AA miles to fly business class from Europe to Johannesburg next February. The possible AA partners are BA, Iberia, and SWISS. I've looked at BA's website, and the description there of business class seems just superb. However, it mentions two different configurations, the flat bed and the cradle. Can someone tell me the difference, and also tell me which one is used on the LHR-JNB flight?

Any other information about this flight would be welcome too.

Thanks so much!

Celia