AA or BA for Business?
Jun 19, 2019, 7:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Southampton UK
Posts: 48
AA or BA for Business?
Hi folks
We're going into Chicago and coming back from Miami. Business. Which airline out of AA and BA has the better product in your humble opinion[s]?
Thanks for your time!
TG
We're going into Chicago and coming back from Miami. Business. Which airline out of AA and BA has the better product in your humble opinion[s]?
Thanks for your time!
TG
Jun 19, 2019, 7:13 am
#2
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
To some extent it depends on aircraft type and I'm not familiar with the equipment used by either airline on this route, but no doubt you will get someone provide further assistance and information in relation to that shortly. That could be significant in terms of the hard product (especially on BA). Also, things like flight times also make quite a bit of difference.
But, in a nutshell, my view is this. AA has the better hard product, but BA has the better and more engaging/pleasant crew.
But, in a nutshell, my view is this. AA has the better hard product, but BA has the better and more engaging/pleasant crew.
Last edited by South London Bon Viveur; Jun 19, 2019 at 4:42 pm
Jun 19, 2019, 7:17 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL & Gfl, LH Senator, Marriott Plat Prem, AA GLD
Posts: 35
I think this is about personal preference. From my perspective it would come down to the Aircraft you get. For me I would look to get a AA 787 Out and then a BA flight back as i find that I get far more sleep on a BA flight than a AA flight, but that is my personal preference. Miami is not a Club World Sleeper Service so you will need to eat on board. AA meal service will typically last until between 230 and 3 hrs into flight. BAs is quicker, for some less enjoyable for some. Really depends on what you are looking for. I am sure others will have there view too.
Jun 19, 2019, 7:18 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
AA for the west bound flight, BA for the overnight east bound flight.
This gives you the best hard product for a day flight (AA) and the optimum option for sleeping on the return overnight from MIA.
This gives you the best hard product for a day flight (AA) and the optimum option for sleeping on the return overnight from MIA.
Last edited by rossmacd; Jun 19, 2019 at 8:42 am Reason: Cannot use a compass.....
Jun 19, 2019, 7:32 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,130
I was pleasantly surprised by AA.
I had a great crew and felt the food was head and shoulders better than BA.
Only thing I noticed was a shakey J seat : when the person behind me moved or left their seat my seat moved too.
I had a great crew and felt the food was head and shoulders better than BA.
Only thing I noticed was a shakey J seat : when the person behind me moved or left their seat my seat moved too.
Jun 19, 2019, 7:42 am
#9
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,212
Your routing opens up quite a few options, with a variety of aircraft types, cabin arrangements, and seat types.
If you are travelling between now and the end of October, these are the flights to choose from
LHR-ORD
AA47 Boeing 789
AA99 Boeing 788
BA295 Boeing 744 (86J)
BA297 Airbus A380
MIA-LHR
AA38 Boeing 77W
BA206 Boeing 744 (56J)
BA208 Boeing 744 (56J)
BA210 Boeing 744 (56J)
Personally, I’d go for the BA295 on the outbound. The 747 upper deck offers an experience unmatched by other aircraft. The quality of natural light you get on day flights is fantastic.
Inbound, I’d probably settle for the flight that best suits my schedule, aware that with BA’s 56J aircraft there’s a chance of an unrefurbished cabin. Not such a big deal on an overnight flight though.
But overall there are no bad choices here.
If you are travelling between now and the end of October, these are the flights to choose from
LHR-ORD
AA47 Boeing 789
AA99 Boeing 788
BA295 Boeing 744 (86J)
BA297 Airbus A380
MIA-LHR
AA38 Boeing 77W
BA206 Boeing 744 (56J)
BA208 Boeing 744 (56J)
BA210 Boeing 744 (56J)
Personally, I’d go for the BA295 on the outbound. The 747 upper deck offers an experience unmatched by other aircraft. The quality of natural light you get on day flights is fantastic.
Inbound, I’d probably settle for the flight that best suits my schedule, aware that with BA’s 56J aircraft there’s a chance of an unrefurbished cabin. Not such a big deal on an overnight flight though.
But overall there are no bad choices here.
Jun 19, 2019, 7:44 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,355
For me AA all the way (assuming you’re flying from LHR).
Better lounges in T3 than T5
Better seats on AA 777 or 787 than current BA offering
New AA lounges in ORD & MIA better than BA ones
Better range of entertainment on AA than BA especially on older 747s
Better lounges in T3 than T5
Better seats on AA 777 or 787 than current BA offering
New AA lounges in ORD & MIA better than BA ones
Better range of entertainment on AA than BA especially on older 747s
Jun 19, 2019, 7:51 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LON
Programs: AA : BA
Posts: 276
Not a problem on the 789 as they are fitted with the super diamond seat
Jun 19, 2019, 7:55 am
#12
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,248
Jun 19, 2019, 7:59 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,146
Without getting too detailed, I would choose AA for the seat and I’ve never been disappointed by the FAs (in fact, usually impressed, but that may just be our personalities). Food possibly slightly better, too (and I adore the Ice Cream Sundae!).
But the BA 744 u/d could persuade me otherwise, because we really enjoy 63A/B.
But the BA 744 u/d could persuade me otherwise, because we really enjoy 63A/B.
Jun 19, 2019, 8:22 am
#14
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
Programs: SPG LT Plat, BA G, BD*LG, MG Blue+ ...
Posts: 16,032
* Providing you get an Upper Deck window seat
Jun 19, 2019, 8:32 am
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA Gold, AA Lifetime Gold 1.8mm, IC Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold et al
Posts: 4,350
If it's purely based on product then AA every time but a couple of pretty dreadful Eastbound delays with them has tilted my preference towards BA for the EU delay protection in that direction.