Business class seats on LHR-PHX route, BA 777 vs. AA 777
#2
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Eventually the BA new Club World seats (which are quite gorgeous) will make their way throughout the rest of the long-haul fleet, having started to make their appearance on routes such as JFK/LHR (not all frequencies) but until that happens the AA business seat is far better than the old-school BA "hop over me" seats.
Given that there are only a handful of BA's A350/B777 aircraft on select routes even offer it, I would go for the AA 777 for the sake of knowing that you'll get a very good seat.
Given that there are only a handful of BA's A350/B777 aircraft on select routes even offer it, I would go for the AA 777 for the sake of knowing that you'll get a very good seat.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,960
Hi,
I think that for summer 2020, it was recently announced that BA is going back to the 747 for LHR-PHX and vv. when are you travelling?
Regards
TBS
I think that for summer 2020, it was recently announced that BA is going back to the 747 for LHR-PHX and vv. when are you travelling?
Regards
TBS
#4
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,593
AA's seats are better for sure (currently rare BA club world suites aside).
Plus a J departure from LHR on AA will go from Terminal 3, giving you access to far superior lounges than BA's in Terminal 5.
But: If this is a return flight, I'd choose the way back PHX-LHR based on schedule. On an eastbound TATL in J sleep is my priority. And unless the AA schedule changes, the AA flight departs too early in the day for me. AA's PHX-LHR departs around 3pm. I despite mid-afternoon departures to Europe - too early to sleep. The BA J seats aren't great - but I sleep in them fine.
YMMV.
Plus a J departure from LHR on AA will go from Terminal 3, giving you access to far superior lounges than BA's in Terminal 5.
But: If this is a return flight, I'd choose the way back PHX-LHR based on schedule. On an eastbound TATL in J sleep is my priority. And unless the AA schedule changes, the AA flight departs too early in the day for me. AA's PHX-LHR departs around 3pm. I despite mid-afternoon departures to Europe - too early to sleep. The BA J seats aren't great - but I sleep in them fine.
YMMV.
Last edited by bse118; Dec 21, 2019 at 8:59 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 471
Based on your input, I am leaning towards taking AA777 both ways: PHX-LHR and LHR-PHX. I agree that in both directions departure time is less than optimal. However, at least I can pick a good seat on AA when making my reservation, without paying additional fee. ( I have no status with Oneworld)
I flew BA747 many times in the recent past and never liked the seats, except for a couple of them upstairs. Also the lack of storage around some of the aisle seats really bugs me.
Maybe I should give AA777 a try this summer. Or I might just try them both, AA on PHX-LHR and BA back.
Thanks for your input!
I flew BA747 many times in the recent past and never liked the seats, except for a couple of them upstairs. Also the lack of storage around some of the aisle seats really bugs me.
Maybe I should give AA777 a try this summer. Or I might just try them both, AA on PHX-LHR and BA back.
Thanks for your input!
#7
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Phoenix/Columbus
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Gold, US Airways silver
Posts: 1,718
BA flight is now a 787. Did not know it would revert to 747. The latter is an old bird, long in the tooth and subject to mechanical delays. I have found the AA flight to be much more reliable. The return flight on AA is much earlier, which I also like.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Based on your input, I am leaning towards taking AA777 both ways: PHX-LHR and LHR-PHX. I agree that in both directions departure time is less than optimal. However, at least I can pick a good seat on AA when making my reservation, without paying additional fee. ( I have no status with Oneworld)
I flew BA747 many times in the recent past and never liked the seats, except for a couple of them upstairs. Also the lack of storage around some of the aisle seats really bugs me.
Maybe I should give AA777 a try this summer. Or I might just try them both, AA on PHX-LHR and BA back.
Thanks for your input!
I flew BA747 many times in the recent past and never liked the seats, except for a couple of them upstairs. Also the lack of storage around some of the aisle seats really bugs me.
Maybe I should give AA777 a try this summer. Or I might just try them both, AA on PHX-LHR and BA back.
Thanks for your input!