Should I Re-book to A380
Sep 4, 2018, 7:21 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 455
Should I Re-book to A380
We have an upcoming possibility of a space available upgrade to First which will be in a 747 from LHR to ORD. I imagine we will probably be placed in row 5 but, given the circumstances, we cant complain. However, We have got a booking in F in January using Avios and this is also on a 747. I have chosen 2K and 3K (other options were already booked). Having seen some negative reviews of F on the 747, I am wondering if we should rebook to an A380. The problem is that I would have to change the flight date by 3 days, which would add some costs and be somewhat inconvenient, as well as pay the rebooking fee. Is the difference between a 747 and a 380 significant enough to warrant the extra costs and inconvenience? Incidentally, if the space available option doesnt come off next month, the January flight on a 747 will be our first in F.
Sep 4, 2018, 7:32 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,197
If the cost were just the change fee, yes.
Would I spend three days somewhere I'd rather not be for an A380 over a 747? No chance.
Unless you can be productive/have fun during those three days anyway (i.e., it's a minor inconveniecne only) I'd stick with the 747.
Would I spend three days somewhere I'd rather not be for an A380 over a 747? No chance.
Unless you can be productive/have fun during those three days anyway (i.e., it's a minor inconveniecne only) I'd stick with the 747.
Sep 4, 2018, 12:23 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 455
F on BA747
Would be 3 extra days with family but will take up extra holiday days and incur other costs. I guess the issue is whether I have read too much into earlier comments as we wont have anything to compare. I would be disappointed though if it is the older IFE.
Sep 4, 2018, 12:32 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Your enjoyment of the flight is likely to be more affected by the performance of the crew on the day than the aircraft itself - and you simply cannot pre-plan that.
Sep 4, 2018, 3:04 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 455
Aircraft Type
You can have a look now to see what is planned for each of your 747 flights, by checking which flavour of 747 is currently scheduled for your flights. The 86J version will have the newer IFE, and you would be better to assume that the 52J will have the older type.
Your enjoyment of the flight is likely to be more affected by the performance of the crew on the day than the aircraft itself - and you simply cannot pre-plan that.
Your enjoyment of the flight is likely to be more affected by the performance of the crew on the day than the aircraft itself - and you simply cannot pre-plan that.
Sep 4, 2018, 3:26 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2016
Programs: BA Silver, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 42
I very much enjoyed the F on an old 747 to LAS. Yes the IFE was shocking, awful quality and the on demand was broken so the crew had to put it on a loop - however buddy dining was a real delight, I always take my own downloaded Netflix on a tablet anyway and after a few LPGS's I had a nice nap to sleep it off - no need for anything but the Map on the screen 
I'd stick with the 747 personally - they also won't be around much longer.
I'd stick with the 747 personally - they also won't be around much longer.
Sep 4, 2018, 3:32 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
Alternatively, start a booking on ba.com for flexible business class and look at the seat map at the point in the booking process at which it's displayed to you.
Sep 5, 2018, 4:30 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,686
Personally, I would stick with the 747 regardless of which IFE. The novelty of the curved fuselage in the nose of the 747, and the fact that they will not be around much longer, is a good enough argument for me over spending an additional three days somewhere just to be on an A380. I am sure you will enjoy the flight no matter which decision you make
Sep 5, 2018, 1:13 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 455
Thanks Globaliser. I did as you suggested and it is currently showing as an 86J so, if all goes to plan, we should have the new IFE. On that basis we are going to stick with our booking. Many thanks for the tip on how to find out. FT is a constant learning curve!
Sep 5, 2018, 8:05 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BKK
Programs: Mucci Chevalier de la Brosse a Cheveux Dore, SK *GfL, BA Gold, WY G, HH DIA, IC Plat Amb., Hertz PC
Posts: 3,686
Aircraft Type
Thanks Globaliser. I did as you suggested and it is currently showing as an 86J so, if all goes to plan, we should have the new IFE. On that basis we are going to stick with our booking. Many thanks for the tip on how to find out. FT is a constant learning curve!
Sep 6, 2018, 1:03 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,231
Sep 6, 2018, 2:06 am
#13
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
Sep 6, 2018, 2:20 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Sep 6, 2018, 2:30 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,231
Styling is, in any case, quite low down my list of priorities in F and I would never take a more attractive F cabin with less space and less privacy just because it's more attractive.
Last edited by lost_in_translation; Sep 6, 2018 at 2:39 am
