Would you pick BA to fly economy Boston-LHR (no status)?
Jan 15, 2023, 12:25 pm
#16
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I always had the impression Virgin do better on customer experience at the back than BA, where even with status you're pretty much ignored. But it's been a while since I've flown with them so this also has the status of a folk memory. I've heard good things about Jetblue and at some point will give them a go.
I've yet to try JetBlue.
I actually like Delta Airlines above BA and VS but havent seen competitive fares with them for several years.
Jan 15, 2023, 12:25 pm
#17
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Are they willing to connect?
Aer Lingus over Dublin is another option, with the benefit of pre-clearance in Dublin, so they arrive as domestic passengers in the US. They are often competitive with fares and are quite good when it comes to the on board amenities (Lunch, ice cream mid-flight, pre-landing snack - but do charge for alcoholic drinks on board). Seat selection will still charge, so it depends on what they find most beneficial.
If it's a non-stop flight and cheapest fare, they're all much of a muchness. Are they accumulating Avios? There are many variables that should feed into a purchase decision.
Aer Lingus over Dublin is another option, with the benefit of pre-clearance in Dublin, so they arrive as domestic passengers in the US. They are often competitive with fares and are quite good when it comes to the on board amenities (Lunch, ice cream mid-flight, pre-landing snack - but do charge for alcoholic drinks on board). Seat selection will still charge, so it depends on what they find most beneficial.
If it's a non-stop flight and cheapest fare, they're all much of a muchness. Are they accumulating Avios? There are many variables that should feed into a purchase decision.
I've fed back some of the comments here and will let them make their own decision now, unless they come back and ask for more input. But thank you to everyone - I guess I was simply concerned if there were any horror stories about any carrier, but it seems (for a fairly short flight) that you can't go too wrong whoever you choose.
Jan 15, 2023, 12:27 pm
#18
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Having done BA and VS at the back recently, they're both very similar in the air. What would do it for me is seat selection as part of the fare AND Heathrow terminal. VS fly from T3 which is, unless you have a lounge, a dump compared to T5.
I've yet to try JetBlue.
I actually like Delta Airlines above BA and VS but havent seen competitive fares with them for several years.
I've yet to try JetBlue.
I actually like Delta Airlines above BA and VS but havent seen competitive fares with them for several years.
Jan 15, 2023, 12:34 pm
#19
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Delta (though typically with woeful catering in economy) and Virgin will also operate aircraft that don't have very many middle seats. Delta will mostly be 767s to London (2-3-2) with maybe the odd A330 (2-4-2) in peak season, while Virgin is mostly A330 (2-4-2) with the odd A350/787 (3-3-3).
Jan 15, 2023, 12:36 pm
#20
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Jan 15, 2023, 2:02 pm
#23
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Travelling in World Traveller / economy is essentially a cost-led decision. There may be minor advantage in (e.g.) meal quality between the airlines but they don't really shift the core factor - ticket price. However that ticket price needs to include things that make a fair and relevant comparison. So add in fees for baggage and/or seating if that's required for these areas. And then probably go for the cheapest given it's such a short trip.
There are some factors that may push the dial in different directions
- the value of a day flight if that is viable for the trip, I certainly would value this, but other travellers may resent losing a day on it.
- whether it's worth going indirect to save money (e.g. Aer Lingus / Icelandair / Level)
- the fact that European airlines, including BA and VS. have EC261 and USA airlnes do not.
There are some factors that may push the dial in different directions
- the value of a day flight if that is viable for the trip, I certainly would value this, but other travellers may resent losing a day on it.
- whether it's worth going indirect to save money (e.g. Aer Lingus / Icelandair / Level)
- the fact that European airlines, including BA and VS. have EC261 and USA airlnes do not.
Jan 15, 2023, 2:05 pm
#24
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As noted above, free beer on BA, AA, Virgin (perhaps, never flown them) and some others would swing me in that direction. That's at least another 30-40 saved in my book.
Jan 15, 2023, 2:34 pm
#25
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JetBlue offers free beer, wine, and spirits -- and a 32" seat pitch in regular Economy. But no UK 261 protection on the BOS-LHR flight.
Jan 15, 2023, 3:01 pm
#26
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I always had the impression Virgin do better on customer experience at the back than BA, where even with status you're pretty much ignored. But it's been a while since I've flown with them so this also has the status of a folk memory. I've heard good things about Jetblue and at some point will give them a go.
Jan 15, 2023, 3:49 pm
#27
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That's a fair point and I much prefer day flights, that said my last two BA238 day flights from BOS have been cancelled. More day flight options from New York airports.
Jan 15, 2023, 4:20 pm
#28
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The daytime argument has some value in terms of tiredness, though it may not be ideal for optimising the holiday time.
Otherwise, if DL uses a 330 or 767 Id probably choose them just because I like seat pairs (window and aisle) a lot more pleasant though might prefer vs on the flight from the us to be covered by ec261.
Otherwise, if DL uses a 330 or 767 Id probably choose them just because I like seat pairs (window and aisle) a lot more pleasant though might prefer vs on the flight from the us to be covered by ec261.
Jan 15, 2023, 5:07 pm
#30
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All loyalty aside, BOS-LHR is such a short flight that, after serving the whole cabin, you will have only ~3 hours undisturbed sleep.
For starting a trip, not ideal.
The dayflight arrives at a civilised time to get into town, shower, dinner, and be ready to go.
Alternatively, get the early overnights and then buy earlier check-in at a hotel to sleep through the morning until lunchtime.
Either way, your first day is likely limited on BOS originating itineraries.
For starting a trip, not ideal.
The dayflight arrives at a civilised time to get into town, shower, dinner, and be ready to go.
Alternatively, get the early overnights and then buy earlier check-in at a hotel to sleep through the morning until lunchtime.
Either way, your first day is likely limited on BOS originating itineraries.