BA vs AA/Delta
Jun 6, 2017, 4:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 610
BA vs AA/Delta
Opinions needed -
I am booking a flight (LHR-PHL in Y) in Sept. Whilst before, I would only really consider BA, I have the option of AA and Delta. At present the costs are too high to purchase the tickets but I am looking at options.
Delta seems to have the worst reviews but has anyone flown AA recently? The last AA flight I took was over 8 years ago from DFW-LHR and didn’t even have personal entertainment systems.
I flew BA PHL-LHR and thought the product was ok but the “breakfast” was pathetic.
Has anyone recently flown long haul on AA in Y or Delta? AA would be an A330.. does anyone have any thoughts?
I am booking a flight (LHR-PHL in Y) in Sept. Whilst before, I would only really consider BA, I have the option of AA and Delta. At present the costs are too high to purchase the tickets but I am looking at options.
Delta seems to have the worst reviews but has anyone flown AA recently? The last AA flight I took was over 8 years ago from DFW-LHR and didn’t even have personal entertainment systems.
I flew BA PHL-LHR and thought the product was ok but the “breakfast” was pathetic.
Has anyone recently flown long haul on AA in Y or Delta? AA would be an A330.. does anyone have any thoughts?
Last edited by MiraculousM; Jun 6, 2017 at 6:09 am
Jun 6, 2017, 5:56 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Brighton. UK
Programs: BA Gold / VS /IHG Diamond & Ambassador
Posts: 14,194
You start by mentioning Y then in the last sentence J so I'm going you are asking about J rather than Y.
I had no issues with either airline and if push comes to shove I would preference DL over AA over VS* over BA. That covers the seat and on board service including IFE and food.
* yes I know VS don't fly your route but that's how I would rate them in the scheme of things.
I had no issues with either airline and if push comes to shove I would preference DL over AA over VS* over BA. That covers the seat and on board service including IFE and food.
* yes I know VS don't fly your route but that's how I would rate them in the scheme of things.
Jun 6, 2017, 5:59 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
This really depends what features you are looking for and what's important to you. Feel free to provide further details along with the clarification requested above and then we can be of more help.
Jun 6, 2017, 6:08 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LHR
Programs: BA Silver/ows, CX AsiaMiles (not even GR anymore!) missing my GO days
Posts: 1,581
Another vote for AA if in Y. Haven't flown DL but this route is a 757, no? So I'd go on the AA A330 for the more spacious feel. The IFE is good and I'd rate the AA food (quantity and quality) ahead of BA although that's subjective.
Jun 6, 2017, 6:13 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 610
Yeah its Y. Sorry.
I dont really expect much from Y. i would like to be able to watch a few films, book an aisle seat when i check in online and basically be as comfortable as possible (and get there on time haha) .. would i get that with AA?
I dont really expect much from Y. i would like to be able to watch a few films, book an aisle seat when i check in online and basically be as comfortable as possible (and get there on time haha) .. would i get that with AA?
Jun 6, 2017, 8:15 am
#7
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 499
In Y it makes a world of difference to buy or buy-up to Economy Plus, Main Cabin Extra, or whatever they call it on which airline. The difference is about four extra inches of leg room, and that is huge in Y these days. These classes are not to be confused with Premium Economy as offered on some airlines.
The 757 is single aisle 3x3 and not good on long flights. A330 and B767 are double aisle with two seat units along the windows. This is good for a couple.
The 757 is single aisle 3x3 and not good on long flights. A330 and B767 are double aisle with two seat units along the windows. This is good for a couple.
Jun 6, 2017, 8:40 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK - Hampshire & London
Programs: Mucci de Guardian des Celliers des Grands Crus 1e Classé, plus BAEC.
Posts: 2,734
I've flown both AA and DL TATL in Y reasonably regularly over the last 5 years, always on wide-bodies so I can't comment about 757s.
They were both fine for Y. I had one experience with an old AA plane (767?) with no IFE; however that was 5 years ago. Hopefully there aren't too many around now.
I will second the point about going for Main Cabin Extra (AA) or Economy Comfort (DL) if you find regular Y seats tight. The extra legroom makes a noticeable difference to me.
Food was nothing out of the ordinary and the service was not bad by US standards. Ultimately it got me there at a price point I was happy with.
Given you're just going to the US East coast, I would probably just book on price.
They were both fine for Y. I had one experience with an old AA plane (767?) with no IFE; however that was 5 years ago. Hopefully there aren't too many around now.
I will second the point about going for Main Cabin Extra (AA) or Economy Comfort (DL) if you find regular Y seats tight. The extra legroom makes a noticeable difference to me.
Food was nothing out of the ordinary and the service was not bad by US standards. Ultimately it got me there at a price point I was happy with.
Given you're just going to the US East coast, I would probably just book on price.
Jun 6, 2017, 10:22 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
If you have no preference or status go with best for price and timing. The food served on either airlines will be basic airline quality so I wouldn't use that as a deciding factor. As the flight is only approx. 8 hours a movie or two would pass the time, so worth checking that DL have IFE on their 757.
My pref would be the AA 330 but only due to status benefits and getting MCE seats.
My pref would be the AA 330 but only due to status benefits and getting MCE seats.
Jun 6, 2017, 1:48 pm
#11
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: AA Gold, Enterprise PLT, Marriott Gold
Posts: 604
LHR-PHL, I would choose AA. The A330's they fly is a 2-4-2 setup, so your odds of being able to get an aisle is fantastic. The in-seat IFE is good, the you do have to press fairly hard on the touch screen, but it works well and has good options.
BA I have only flow into JFK from LHR, so I can't say much about the 747 they flt to Philly. Depends on which configuration I guess.
Does DL even fly nonstop? I was under the impression DL does not have a nonstop LHR-PHL, so I am not sure why you would want them since it would require a layover no?
BA I have only flow into JFK from LHR, so I can't say much about the 747 they flt to Philly. Depends on which configuration I guess.
Does DL even fly nonstop? I was under the impression DL does not have a nonstop LHR-PHL, so I am not sure why you would want them since it would require a layover no?
Jun 6, 2017, 2:10 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Jumping to AA or DL makes sense these days, since both still give seat assignments on long haul flights and BA doesn't without status/fee.
If that means you have an Avios account, AA can credit towards that as a OneWorld partner, which is a reason to consider it over DL (even though they earn pittances in Y). Aside from that, I think SpinOn2 covered the rest of it.
"Whilst before, I would only really consider BA"
Jun 6, 2017, 3:25 pm
#13
Join Date: May 2013
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Gold, AF apologist
Posts: 207
Besides exit row, to the former US 330s now have MCE? I would be surprised if they did. I've done the 330 in Y and J numerous times and it is a relatively-comfortable ride in back and plenty of IFE. Snag an exit row (for free if you have status, or pay for it if not) for extra leg room, but an aisle is always nice too!
Jun 6, 2017, 3:28 pm
#14
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Jun 6, 2017, 4:16 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: UK
Programs: AA
Posts: 209
Besides exit row, to the former US 330s now have MCE? I would be surprised if they did. I've done the 330 in Y and J numerous times and it is a relatively-comfortable ride in back and plenty of IFE. Snag an exit row (for free if you have status, or pay for it if not) for extra leg room, but an aisle is always nice too!
