baldylocks

Just had a flight LHR - MIA (BA209) for May next year cancelled, the current offering is a change to BA1535 which appears to be AA on a 777-200. If i look for alternatives i can get on the earlier BA207 which is an A380.

For context, i will be arriving to LHR via a domestic BA flight so the AA flight would be a transfer from T5 - T3. Time between flights is around 2.5 hours, is this enough for the transfer and what is the lounge situation in T3? original booking is CW.

I originally booked the outbound and return Miami flights with CS, the return has already been swapped to the A380. I haven't flown it but watching a few review videos i'm not particularly excited by the ying yang seat on the A380, the AA 777-200 looks like it has its own issues.

Any pros/cons for either air frame / service provider from those with experience would be appreciated. Which would you chose given the choice?

baldylocks

Another note for context, i'm departing on a cruise the day after i land in MIA, am I wise to take the AA flight to avoid the A380 lottery of cancelled flights? i have a fair bit of scope for a delay but if i had to fly out the next day i would miss the departure.

CT-UK

A380 upstairs is quiet
IMHO the CW is way better than CS
A380 often runs late
T3 has good lounges BA J is good, CX J and QF are good also and worth a wander
T5-T5 would be better than a connection
AA J is fine, better than CS IMHO but service is lacking

Overall I would take the BA A38

Nick_USA

Are you fussed about the flight being direct?

FlyingSquirrel_

I would fly AA on the way there as it tends to be more timely (for your cruise). 2.5 hours is enough to do the transfer. I would probably try to call BA to change the business class ticket onto the outbound, since AA J is better than the old Club World cabin. You'd also still get UK passenger rights.

Return, I would fly the BA A380 since the upper deck is very comfortable, even in economy or premium economy. That will also preserve your UK passenger rights.

wrp96

IMO the lounges in T3 are better than T5. 2.5 hours is plenty of time for a T5-T3 connection including some lounge time.

baldylocks

I'd prefer direct to reduce the risk of any further delay or missed connections.

baldylocks

Thanks all for the replies!

Finland Station

Do you care about a delayed arrival in MIA? If so, I'd avoid the A380.

flabound

my Mia-LHR in Sept 24 (booked yesterday !!) -they just cancelled the later flight and rebooked me on the 380 at 5pm,,,,,,,,,,,,shame as I prefer the 10pm flight which seems to have disappeared

Confus

In Business or PE I’d happily take the AA option. In economy, definitely the A380.

Duck1981

+1

tjcxx

AA has a much bigger choice of seats with extra leg-room, with a centre block of MCE seats as well as the bulkhead and exit rows.

flatlander

You should, in any case, ensure you have insurance that covers delays leading to a missed cruise departure (and subsequent forfeiture of the entire value of the cruise).

tennessetom

I am a frequent flyer on that route and avoid the A380, it isn’t very reliable and the rebooking of that many passengers isn’t easy, I stick with the AA flight