BA or AA
Mar 31, 2012, 3:57 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: BA GGL, LH FTL
Posts: 3,578
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?
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?
Mar 31, 2012, 4:03 am
#2
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club, easyJet and Ryanair
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: UK/Las Vegas
Programs: BA Gold (GGL/CCR)
Posts: 15,923
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.
The seats on the B777 in J are 2x3x2 and they looked quite cramped.
Mar 31, 2012, 4:03 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
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.
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.
Mar 31, 2012, 4:06 am
#4
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: 17,907
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
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
Mar 31, 2012, 6:42 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Quite close to NQY
Programs: BAEC Silver,clubcard,clubcard plus, BA Amex................ And Mucci x3 ;)
Posts: 9,488
Mar 31, 2012, 6:50 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
I can't back this up with precise measurements but, having flown both, I'm pretty sure AA's 777 J seat is wider.
Mar 31, 2012, 8:51 am
#10
Moderator, OneWorld
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: RAA RIP; AA ExEXP
Posts: 11,800
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.
Mar 31, 2012, 9:43 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,046
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.
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.
Mar 31, 2012, 1:43 pm
#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Sunshine State
Programs: BA Silver; VS Gold; HHonors Diamond; Amex Centurion; IHG Platinum; Club Accor Platinum; TfL Oyster.
Posts: 674
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
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
Mar 31, 2012, 9:02 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Programs: BA-Gold (dropping to Silver soon); AA & Flying Blue; Top Gear (the Clarkson years); Doctor Who :)
Posts: 422
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?
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?
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
Mar 31, 2012, 9:11 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,431
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.
AA Domestic F is perfectly pleasant though check the meal windows. Some flights where you'd expect a decent meal are only a snack.