Mr P

Not sure if this is a question for here or the AA thread, but I am due to fly out from LHR to DFW on an AA flight (not booked through BA or on a BA codeshare). I am in their equivalent of WTP, but the cabin is full - as a BA Gold member, do I stand any chance of an upgrade due to overbooking? Or will all AA reward members (regardless of status level) be preferred before me?

I am expecting to remain in the current cabin! Also - does anyone know how AA's WTP cabin compares to BA's?

UKtravelbear

AA will upgrade it's own elites before anyone elses

Expect to remain in your existing seat.

YacozA

For upgrade priority, AA counts all AAdvantage members ahead of other people, including OWE.

This might lead to an OpUp or Downgrade thought, and not sure how AA prioritize this; but would check-in as close to T-24 as possible.
Departing from LHR EU261 applies, but not on the return.

Often1

Given that an AA Gold (the lowest tier of AA elite) outranks a BA Prem for OpUp freebie UG's on AA, the chances during high season on that route are miniscule, particularly because the chances of any OpUps are slim in the first place.

fotographer

upgrades?, sorry, like others have said.. AA members first, but also understand that there may be a few no show passengers..
but having said that, I have been upgraded on BA as a AA EXP a few times form J to F.. maybe their were not enough BA golds traveling that day (LHR to BOM)

Often1

To be clear, AA will not provide free UG's to anyone on this flight other than for its own operational necessity. Thus, if there are F / J no shows, and neither PE nor Y are oversold at the gate, the seats will go out empty or to passengers with supported UG's.

Geordie405

You do stand a chance, although I would say it's remote. The reason I say that is because my fiancée and I were both recently upgraded from PE to J on AA on a flight from LHR to LAX. We are both Gold and neither have status with AA. I have had a small number of upgrades with AA but with this one exception all have been short-haul flights.

AA will definitely prioritise its own FFP members ahead of any other OW frequent fliers and, to that extent, you can't even get on the upgrade list. That's not to say, however, that you won't be upgraded as a last resort due to operational issues on the day.

anniegray

flatlander

The way it is:

AA Upgrades: A well-defined paid system (SWUs, miles+money, money) followed by a well-defined AA status-based system for domestic flights [1] or a vaguely status-correlated confusion for international flights.

BA Upgrades: A well-defined paid system (Avios, GUFs, AUPs, POUGs, etc) followed by very vaguely status-correlated and miserly benefaction for all flights.

On AA, as noted, you are below any AA status flyer and above any non-status passenger.

[1] Definitely the favourite topic on the AA forum, so head over there for more than you want to know and more harsh opinions and ranting entitlement than you need.

IntVic

I have just flown 3 long haul sectors on AA and 1 on BA. As far as the seats are concerned, they are similar by way of width, recline etc. Major difference is leather vs cloth upholstery. AA bulkhead seats at window offered 2 windows and ability to get in and out without disturbing seat mate. Maybe BA is same but always fly last row aisle in WTP cabin on BA.
All AA PE seats have decent IFE as they have recently installed PE cabins. BA as you may know depending on aircraft can have IFE of historical interest. I find the selection of movies and TV more extensive on AA than BA. AA has WiFi on nearly all aircraft.
Food... similar, but AA offered a quite substantial second service meal. Not helping my waistline.
While I am BAEC Gold too, I try to book on AA aircraft over BA.
Hope this is helpful. Safe flights and enjoy.

Mordac

To add my 2p, I'd say that the old BA WTP seats are more comfortable than AA's, especially for sleeping. However, AA has better IFE--this isn't a huge consideration for me, as I prefer to bring my own IFE, which is normally reading, but I know some people value it highly.

I wasn't hugely impressed with the meals on AA: in particular, whenever I've flown their W product there was never any meat choices, which I found appalling! (They hadn't just ran out, it wasn't an option at all!) Can definitely second the recommendation of the window bulkhead seats on AA though. If both passengers are normal sized, you can get up while your seatmate stays in place.

travelmad478

pauleeepaul

Is using Avios to upgrade premium economy to business class on AA an option?

I think BA WTP is more distinctive from economy/coach than the AA offering.

gateH15

Mordac

I don't consider fish to be meat.