brsp18

I'm a pretty new EXP and looking for some advice on ORD or JFK to LHR upgrades. Did some reading and seems like using SWUs is tough on this route. I don't have an EF subscription, but could be doing this route on occasion.
I'm going Mar 14-17 - am I correct in assuming planning on using SWUs ORD-LHR is not going to work out well for these dates? Looking to take one of the direct PM flights outbound and return midday or early PM. Any thoughts on SWUs on this route in general (I'd prefer avoiding connections)?

Also, if I end up going coach is there much difference in the BA vs AA product?
Thanks!!

JJeffrey

ORD/JFK to LHR are no more difficult to clear than other TATL routes. Not sure if the timing works but don't forget about ORD-RDU-LHR as well. Similar to pretty much every other longhaul route on AA it's all about picking the right season, day of week, and to some extent flight time to maximize your chances. If your dates are set in stone, booking around 3 weeks out there's not much you can do other than check the loads on EF and the seatmaps and pick the flights that are the most open. If you can find any options that look especially open in business then as an EXP you have a good chance to clear given the timing.

I flew ORD-LHR in December, flight was wide open when booked around 2 months out, only filled to around 1/3 full in business, and of course AA still didn't release any C space until the day before the flight.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...er-thread.html

robofski

I flew AA86 ORD-LHR in both Jan and Feb and on both waitlisted to use a SWU. Jan cleared the morning of the flight, and Feb cleared at the gate (in fact 8 people cleared at the gate!)

bse118

Depends on what you mean by "tough". Clearing at advance booking is tough on any AA route these days. Clearing off the waitlist within 36-0 hours of departure is entirely possible and common. You say nothing about your 12-month rolling EQD level - but that's an important factor.

My advice - book the flights that work best for your needs schedule and dates wise. Waitlist the SWU. That's the approach I take - and I'm 100% on SWU Y-->J longhaul upgrades. I don't bother with EF>

Two key ones come to mind:
1) On AA as an EXP you get Main Cabin Extra seating. No such thing on BA, only a few exit row seats with extra legroom.
2) if you buy a ticket on BA metal you can't even waitlist the SWU. SWUs are only valid for AA metal flights,

brsp18

Thanks for the detailed info. AA much better than UA on UGs where it was basically whatever non-elite wanted to pay a couple hundred bucks. My company uses Airpass and I was over 35k EQD last year so a decent spend for not much intl travel.
I'll just roll with the SWU and hope for the best. Flights I'm looking at are a little more than half open in J, but a little worried given Thurs eve departure and Sun 4pm return.

FlyerTalker688786

Currently the ORD flight is using B787 and only 20J seats for sale. It is going to be tough to use SWU. In comparison JFK would be a little bit easier with 37J version B777 3 times a and 8F52J version B77W daily.

however that being said, I was on a 28J version B788 from ORD recently even though AA is only selling 20J seats. Don't know how that wouldn't for SWU.

dantheflyingman

Guessing that's how 8 people cleared at the gate in the above example. However...it is a gamble that you get the 28J version.

FlyerTalker688786

Hint, the B788 conversion is slower than public anticipated. And those unconverted B788 has been more or less assigned to ORD LHR during this winter... However, I have no idea when these birds will be changed for summer season.

brsp18

Looks like the flights I'm targeting have the 28J so that improves the outlook. Connecting thru RDU (40J) and JFK (AA 100 is a 3 cabin) gives far more seats but not sure it is worth the connection. I'll probably just end up going with the directs and hoping for the best. At least it sounds like AA SWUs seem to work better than UA GPUs.

gateH15

lightbulbs

gateH15

brsp18

Quick follow up Q for Prem Econ on this route - I booked AA86 on 3/14 and J is pretty booked but I read the article they are only selling 20J on most of the 788s as the equipment changes to add PE are done. I'm betting I will clear SWU if the plane stays 28J but I currently have 19C exit row with an empty middle. Should I keep that seat or grab 9B or 9K so i'd have PE if they switch to the new plane.
Same for the return AA91 on 3/17 - i've got 10J but could grab a middle in 8 or 9. I'm an EXP so PE would work. Haven't been in a PE seat yet.
Thanks!!

gateH15