BA or AA
 

I have two options for an upcoming trip and was wondering what the experts on here would recommend:

Either
BA FRA-LHR-LAS in J

or
AA FRA-DFW-LAS in J

I'm fairly familiar with the BA product but only had one experience on AA domestic Y (been trying very hard to forget it). I assume the AA domestic legs would book in F? Any difference in tier points on the two routes?

I've never flown AA J - but I have walked through the cabin from F on a B777. On that alone I wouldn't hesitate at choosing BA.

The seats on the B777 in J are 2x3x2 and they looked quite cramped.

For me it would be BA FRA-LHR-LAS as it would be J on a 744 (over a 777 on AA). That swings it enough for me.

Your LHR-LAS flight will be crewed by Mixed Fleet, but I have never experienced any of the horrors that some on FT have - I find them extremely friendly, helpful and passionate. I would not avoid a flight on the basis of it being MF operated.

Hi,

On AA you would need to clear customs and immigration in DFW then get a domestic F to LAS . ON BA you would clear in LAS.

As a BA gold you should be able to get an upper deck seat on the 747 LHR-LAS flight.

Tier points on AA = 140+60 for the F cabin DFW-LAS=200 o/w
Tier points on BA= 40 ( for inter european ) + 140 =180 o/w

Slightly more tier points on AA but the general view i think is that BA J > AA J ( YMMV) plus you get GF at LHR T5.

I would probably choose BA

Regards

TBS

Thanks. Will probably go BA then. UD or maybe MFU to F outweighs 20 TP. :)

That would also be my choice!

cs

I can't back this up with precise measurements but, having flown both, I'm pretty sure AA's 777 J seat is wider.

No question, BA!

Yep, BA all the way. Have to say though the f&b on AA is better I think.

Of only academic interest since FRA-DFW is presently operated using 763 equipment. The J seats on AA's 767s are actually a little narrower than those on AA's 777s, but still, I believe, a little wider than BA's.

Most of us think that AA's J service on the 763s is a real step up over comparable 777 flights, closer to F than 777 J (better staff/passenger ratio, etc.) And although the seats aren't flat beds, they're pretty comfortable (to me) and if you get one of the middle pair, nobody climbing over you since it's 2-2-2.

DFW is a breeze for immigration etc. - I recently did a international > domestic transfer (different terminal) in 25 min. all in.

A small dissenting voice crying in the wilderness here!

On the way back to FRA it will be more tedious to get off a longhaul and then have to go on a shorthaul than just getting off a longhaul and going home.

Which is an argument in favour of AA.

Absolutely agree with TBS. BA is best choice. Not so sure about any TP advantage with AA. In my experience, a J ticket on AA with domestic connection puts you in the First cabin (on two-class plane) for the domestic sector but with ticket showing 'Business' and with J TPs = 40TPs. If the domestic flight is on three-class: you get seated in Biz.

Got to ask - why did you not also post the same on the AA board? My poor psychology skills suggest that maybe you wanted support for a BA decision rather than an evenhanded response which could have fallen onto the AA side?

Have to say that is what I would have done - as I would have wanted the BA option supported/chosen for me ;)

Regarding Sixth Freedom concern over LH/SH order - could you go BA FRA to LAS (via LHR) but AA back (via DFW). Again not my preference but is it even practical?

Either way - enjoy LAS - or at least the destination :D

Simple. Flatbed wins over non-flatbed every time. AA's current J seat is probably the worst wedgie bed I've flown, ever. OK for a daytime flight though it feels quite cramped. Very disappointing for an overnight.

AA Domestic F is perfectly pleasant though check the meal windows. Some flights where you'd expect a decent meal are only a snack.

Cross-posting is a no-no.