DUB-MCO in Business
Dec 28, 2014, 3:45 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: ABZ
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Gold
Posts: 204
DUB-MCO in Business
I have the choice of BA via LGW, AA via JFK, or US via PHL for 2 couples in Business.
I know that USA pre-clearance is an obvious attraction and all the flight arrival times are similar.
Would you guys recommend a particular east coast option, or should we opt for the 'devil we know' BA CW?
Thanks for your help.
I know that USA pre-clearance is an obvious attraction and all the flight arrival times are similar.
Would you guys recommend a particular east coast option, or should we opt for the 'devil we know' BA CW?
Thanks for your help.
Dec 28, 2014, 3:55 am
#3
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Posts: 63,803
The service on US is OK, but there's an element of "you get what you pay for". I see the US business service as WT Plus Plus rather than Club World. On the day service from DUB to PHL - which is quite short - then that may be fine. You may get a superb US crew or a bad BA crew such that the gap narrows, but usually it's the other way around. Chances are that with low expectations the US service will work well, whereas you probably wouldn't go on a BA service with the expectations set so low.
Pre clearance is sometimes a bit overplayed: in order to allow time for that you tend to arrive earlier at the departing airport, whereas I've sailed through PHL and been on the train into town within minutes of arrival. Other people have different experiences. But in broad terms you are shifting contingency to the front of the trip with pre-clearance, whereas with normal CBP there is no contingency required, unless you have a specific timing to meet in the USA. Having said that the CBP agents in DUB and SNN have a good record for customer facing skills, which isn't universally the case elsewhere.
Pre clearance is sometimes a bit overplayed: in order to allow time for that you tend to arrive earlier at the departing airport, whereas I've sailed through PHL and been on the train into town within minutes of arrival. Other people have different experiences. But in broad terms you are shifting contingency to the front of the trip with pre-clearance, whereas with normal CBP there is no contingency required, unless you have a specific timing to meet in the USA. Having said that the CBP agents in DUB and SNN have a good record for customer facing skills, which isn't universally the case elsewhere.
Dec 28, 2014, 3:56 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: TK Gold, FB Silver, A3 Silver, BA Bronze
Posts: 255
For DUB-PHL on US, it depends when you're going. That route is serviced by a 757, with sloping seats, for some of the year. In summer, I think it reverts to a 332, with very good flat beds (superior to CW in many respects).
Dec 28, 2014, 4:13 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
Goes to the 332 on 29 March 2015 which, as it happens, coincides with the sale dates. At least as good as CW in my book. I would steer clear of the 757 service before that date though.