BA versus AA
May 10, 2010 | 4:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 64
BA versus AA
We fly boston to london heathrow once or twice a year. usually with miles on American. American is now using planes that are 3/3 seating. rather small. no entertainment center, etc. were using 2/3/2 also no entertainment center.
with the recent volcanic activity this week they are not flying at all. BA and Virgin are. - must be going around.
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets bot with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
any info would be helpful.
with the recent volcanic activity this week they are not flying at all. BA and Virgin are. - must be going around.
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets bot with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
any info would be helpful.
May 10, 2010 | 5:10 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 118
Keep you fingers crossed and hope the EU doesn't squash the AA/BA agreement. US has already approved it. If the deal goes forward, you could fly BA and earn AA miles. In any case even today, your AA status will let you use the preferred check-in lines/ lounge etc if you are platinum or platinum exec., as both airlines are members of the OneWorld Alliance.
In my opinion BA offers the far superior product, but like you pointed out you need more points / flying to get things like upgrades and free trips. In most cases people have found this is simply not worth it and so they frequent AA.
In my opinion BA offers the far superior product, but like you pointed out you need more points / flying to get things like upgrades and free trips. In most cases people have found this is simply not worth it and so they frequent AA.
May 10, 2010 | 11:30 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: AA Lifetime PLT , BA Silver , BD RIP , HH Gold, SPG / Marriott PLT , EF Subscriber
Posts: 6,733
[QUOTE=Joanel;13934162
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets both with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
any info would be helpful.[/QUOTE]
Unlike AA , BA do not include the Fuel Surcharge as part of the redeemed miles used but rather as a cash supplement with the taxes etc.
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets both with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
any info would be helpful.[/QUOTE]
Unlike AA , BA do not include the Fuel Surcharge as part of the redeemed miles used but rather as a cash supplement with the taxes etc.
May 10, 2010 | 11:45 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,460
American is now using planes that are 3/3 seating. rather small. no entertainment center, etc. were using 2/3/2 also no entertainment center.
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets bot with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
If we switch to BA and start accumulating miles on their plan- (thru starwood). what can we expect re planes and understand the fees are much? higher on tickets bot with miles? why? since both land at heathrow.
Don't expect status/miles on cheap fares with BA.
May 11, 2010 | 1:11 am
#6
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
May 11, 2010 | 10:27 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,285
Care to share an example? I've yet to find an instance where a ticket I could get with AA miles was not available with BA miles (though, I've needed to call BA in some cases).
May 11, 2010 | 10:42 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 196
LAX to NRT a few weeks ago. Nothing available at all according to BA's website, even when "including partners". Plenty on AA.. so I of course went AA. I didn't call in. By the way I basically struck out to every destination in Asia on BA. According to their website anyhow. Is that tool not worth using?? I do notice that now BA has a disclaimer when searching for mileage redemptions that: "You can currently only make BA Miles bookings on American Airlines via our contact centres, so please call us to book.
It is temporarily not possible to do this online". But, that wasn't there before.
May 11, 2010 | 10:46 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,285
LAX to NRT a few weeks ago. Nothing available at all according to BA's website, even when "including partners". Plenty on AA.. so I of course went AA. I didn't call in. By the way I basically struck out to every destination in Asia on BA. According to their website anyhow. Is that tool not worth using?? I do notice that now BA has a disclaimer when searching for mileage redemptions that: "You can currently only make BA Miles bookings on American Airlines via our contact centres, so please call us to book.
It is temporarily not possible to do this online". But, that wasn't there before.
It is temporarily not possible to do this online". But, that wasn't there before.
May 11, 2010 | 1:36 pm
#14
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Miami
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA EXP and others
Posts: 4,749
Either way, you needn't worry and can continue with AAdvantage easier redemption and inclusion of fees with miles if the BA/AA antitrust exemption comes through. I think the best course is to wait until that is determined. if approved, do nothing fly and redeem using whichever you prefer, but accumulate on AA. if disapproved, you ned a decision over the two programs. So, wait, then decide.
May 11, 2010 | 4:54 pm
#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 196
I'll definitely take you up on that offer. I see that you generally fly business class.. and I'm a dedicated cattle class flyer. Perhaps coach awards disappear faster?