DL 767 or VS 787 in C?
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,506
The major complaints are that you can't recline very much in the upright position, and in order to be made into a bed it has to be flipped rather than just fully reclined.
VS was an early adopter of flat bed J seats, but they have not innovated their product at all in years. Their product is now two generations behind other carriers (reverse herringbone came after this and is preferred for privacy, and now suites are the latest thing)
VS was an early adopter of flat bed J seats, but they have not innovated their product at all in years. Their product is now two generations behind other carriers (reverse herringbone came after this and is preferred for privacy, and now suites are the latest thing)
#17
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
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#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
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I'd opt for VS for the service. I do like the 767 seat a little better (especially if it's an odd row A or D seat spaced a little further away from the aisle and the VS seat only reclines. You can't make a half-bed with it like you can on the 767 or even the other DL seats. But going via SEA would provide more back-up options on SEA-LAX than PDX-LAX, if that's of importance or consideration to you.
#19
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Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
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Thank you for all the feedback. Yes, this is an award ticket in Business.
One more possibility in the mix: I can also use Alaska miles for BA F: LHR-SEA-LAX.
One more possibility in the mix: I can also use Alaska miles for BA F: LHR-SEA-LAX.
#20
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM
Posts: 292
Be careful with BA and do the research on the aircraft. A little over a year ago I flew my wife r/t LHR (using Alaska miles). Departure was in intl. Business and it was a new cabin, pretty good experience. The return trip was in intl. First and the cabin was probably 20 years old, staff was rude, barely any service or food; the IFE was unusable. I've never flown VS J but just comparing BA, from my wife's review, and D1, I would always choose D1.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,290
Be sure to research BA fuel surcharges. I did redeem American miles on BA and dealt with the fuel surcharges (and seat selection fees) to get my first 747 ride (and secured the upper deck), which was worth it to me for that reason, at least at the time, but if you dont care about those things, do know what youre looking at for taxes and surcharges as it may make the mileage redemption not worth it to you.
#22
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,190
BA F is often considered "J+" - their cabins are notably large/dense, although I think the A380 and 789 are supposed to be better. Still, not sure I'd pass up the opportunity to fly in the nose of a 744. Service can be variable (and without going into too much OT detail, it can depend on which flight attendant union operates on the route), but it can be great. And the Concorde Lounge in LHR is nice (though frankly, compared to the VS Clubhouse the only main advantage is probably higher-end alcohol). And frankly the Upper Class Channel is probably a better airport arrival experience than BA F, especially when coupled with an arrival by car.
That said, the surcharges on BA F (and J) awards are absolutely bat-dung absurd, probably $1500 r/t for this itinerary. Plus the miles. That's one of the reasons it's not so difficult to find availability.
That said, the surcharges on BA F (and J) awards are absolutely bat-dung absurd, probably $1500 r/t for this itinerary. Plus the miles. That's one of the reasons it's not so difficult to find availability.
#23
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: PSC
Programs: Hilton Diamond/IHG Platinum/DL Plutononium
Posts: 1,728
To the OPs original question - I would also factor in the customs process at PDX vs.SEA. I know SEA is horrible with a lot more international arrivals. I have never cleared customs in PDX but my gut says it's better.
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,506
Be careful with BA and do the research on the aircraft. A little over a year ago I flew my wife r/t LHR (using Alaska miles). Departure was in intl. Business and it was a new cabin, pretty good experience. The return trip was in intl. First and the cabin was probably 20 years old, staff was rude, barely any service or food; the IFE was unusable. I've never flown VS J but just comparing BA, from my wife's review, and D1, I would always choose D1.
#25
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL PM, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 8,411
I would not burn valuable Alaska Miles on BA F, take a look at the surcharges, probably $600+.
To the OPs original question - I would also factor in the customs process at PDX vs.SEA. I know SEA is horrible with a lot more international arrivals. I have never cleared customs in PDX but my gut says it's better.
To the OPs original question - I would also factor in the customs process at PDX vs.SEA. I know SEA is horrible with a lot more international arrivals. I have never cleared customs in PDX but my gut says it's better.