LHR-SFO - Best strategy for SWU to First?
Apr 29, 2012, 5:09 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Programs: Alaska MVP 75k, AA EXP, Subway Sub Club
Posts: 88
LHR-SFO - Best strategy for SWU to First?
hi all--I'm planning to fly back from LHR to SFO this summer, and trying to decide on optimal routing on american metal. I'm planning on purchasing a biz special fare and using a SWU to get to first.
Basically, I'm trying to decide between two strategies:
1) maximize my time in Int'l First, and just "deal" with domestic first, e.g., LHR-LAX-SFO, or
2) connect through JFK, with a shorter Int'l First section, but picking up AFS F on a 762 all the way back to SFO.
thoughts?
Basically, I'm trying to decide between two strategies:
1) maximize my time in Int'l First, and just "deal" with domestic first, e.g., LHR-LAX-SFO, or
2) connect through JFK, with a shorter Int'l First section, but picking up AFS F on a 762 all the way back to SFO.
thoughts?
Apr 29, 2012, 5:13 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: SAN
Programs: AA-EXP; US-Silver; Marriott-Platinum; Starwood-Platinum; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 1,260
I am going to Germany for Oktoberfest and I just called the EXP desk and they looked at flights and dates that the SWU seats were available for a confirmed upgrade. They were helpful and great about it. I'd give that a shot.
Apr 29, 2012, 5:29 pm
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
hi all--I'm planning to fly back from LHR to SFO this summer, and trying to decide on optimal routing on american metal. I'm planning on purchasing a biz special fare and using a SWU to get to first.
Basically, I'm trying to decide between two strategies:
1) maximize my time in Int'l First, and just "deal" with domestic first, e.g., LHR-LAX-SFO, or
2) connect through JFK, with a shorter Int'l First section, but picking up AFS F on a 762 all the way back to SFO.
thoughts?
Basically, I'm trying to decide between two strategies:
1) maximize my time in Int'l First, and just "deal" with domestic first, e.g., LHR-LAX-SFO, or
2) connect through JFK, with a shorter Int'l First section, but picking up AFS F on a 762 all the way back to SFO.
thoughts?
Apr 29, 2012, 6:02 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
If you think you would sleep fine even on a daytime TATL then take the LAX flight. If you plan on staying up I would consider connecting in JFK to break up the trip.
Apr 29, 2012, 6:05 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Programs: Alaska MVP 75k, AA EXP, Subway Sub Club
Posts: 88
Apr 29, 2012, 6:13 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
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Posts: 5,587
I'd take the 777 to LAX. But seriously, why screw around with AA when you can take BA from LHR? I'm probably in the minority here but why not just take BA CW? AA F is nothing amazing when you can have more professional service from BA. Depending on the fare you purchase you may even be able to upgrade to FIRST with AA miles!
Apr 29, 2012, 7:26 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
I'd take the 777 to LAX. But seriously, why screw around with AA when you can take BA from LHR? I'm probably in the minority here but why not just take BA CW? AA F is nothing amazing when you can have more professional service from BA. Depending on the fare you purchase you may even be able to upgrade to FIRST with AA miles!
OP plans on purchasing a business special fare, which is not upgradeable on BA using AA miles.
Apr 29, 2012, 7:29 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Boston, MA (BOS)
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BA F>BA CW>AA F>AA J
I'd still take BA CW on a non-stop flight over AA F, just my opinion.
Apr 29, 2012, 7:35 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Racine, WI/VCE
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It may be upgradeable at the airport for cash. ~ 399 GBP.
Apr 29, 2012, 7:40 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
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Posts: 2,574
For daytime flights I would rank BA F > AA F > AA J > BA J and for overnights AA F > BA F > BA J > AA J. This has been discussed to death in the past of course
Apr 29, 2012, 8:02 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2005
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I'd take the 777 to LAX. But seriously, why screw around with AA when you can take BA from LHR? I'm probably in the minority here but why not just take BA CW? AA F is nothing amazing when you can have more professional service from BA. Depending on the fare you purchase you may even be able to upgrade to FIRST with AA miles!
Apr 29, 2012, 11:04 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
I disagree that BA CW (Business) is better than AA-F (regardless of time of the flight). The AA 777F seat is so private and comfy!
Since the OP is looking at a discounted business fare, he could upgrade to F on BA IF he is offered an upgrade for cash by BA online (res has to be done on ba.com) or ask at the airport for an upgrade for cash IF available.
Too many "IF"s involved with BA.
I have had my upgrades to F from J on AA clear at time of booking. So, if I was the OP I would call AA and check whether LHR-LAX or LHR-JFK upgrades can be confirmed. IF both are available, it is a tough call. Both have its pros and cons. I would probably pick the one that gets me to SFO the earliest
Since the OP is looking at a discounted business fare, he could upgrade to F on BA IF he is offered an upgrade for cash by BA online (res has to be done on ba.com) or ask at the airport for an upgrade for cash IF available.
Too many "IF"s involved with BA.
I have had my upgrades to F from J on AA clear at time of booking. So, if I was the OP I would call AA and check whether LHR-LAX or LHR-JFK upgrades can be confirmed. IF both are available, it is a tough call. Both have its pros and cons. I would probably pick the one that gets me to SFO the earliest
Last edited by carlosdca; Apr 29, 2012 at 11:33 pm
Apr 30, 2012, 8:03 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Pacific Standard Time
Programs: AA EXP / CK
Posts: 136
Definitely via LAX onto the 777. Much better flight, given the amount of time you'll have to actually enjoy the dinner, then get a full night's sleep. From JFK you barely have time to get some shut-eye before you're landing.
Apr 30, 2012, 9:26 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
Programs: Alaska MVP 75k, AA EXP, Subway Sub Club
Posts: 88
Thanks everyone.
Since 1) I'm got plenty of SWUs around and 2) BA F is not a given were I to buy BA CW, I think I'm going to look for the 777 F through LAX (this would also be my first time in AA IFS F).
And with my expertflyer subscription, I won't have to call the desk for a peek at inventory...
Since 1) I'm got plenty of SWUs around and 2) BA F is not a given were I to buy BA CW, I think I'm going to look for the 777 F through LAX (this would also be my first time in AA IFS F).
And with my expertflyer subscription, I won't have to call the desk for a peek at inventory...
Apr 30, 2012, 12:27 pm
#15
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If you are short on time, I can see this as a viable option. But AA F has so much more space compared to BA CW, I would definitely prefer AA F over BA CW.