BA vs AA for transatlantic Y class
 

I'm a QF FF currently planning a OW RTW itinerary. I will be flying from ORD to FCO via LHR, and am curious for some suggestions as to who to choose between BA and AA. Instinctively I would fly BA, however there is an AA flight which has a better connection. The AA flight is a 772, as opposed to a 744 on BA. Having only flown AA domestically in the US I am unfamiliar with their international economy class product. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Really not much difference, to be honest.

Haven't flown BA Y much of late, so my observations may not be current, but it seems to me they have even less Y legroom than AA.

The AA 772 has seatback TVs and a decent IFE system, plus the Y seats are more comfortable than the old AA ones.

The big question is whether the 772 on the route you are flying has the MRTC (more room through coach) reconfiguration, where AA have taken rows of coach seats out to give more leg room.....why not ask the guys at the AA board on FT if any of them fly that route and would know ?

I haven't flown BA international economy in a long time but I just did AA economy CDG-JFK-EZE and back.

AA food is actually decent and fairly substantial, and drinks service is quite generous (e.g., double rations of alcohol for first beverage service CDG-JFK).

It seems the configuration of the AA 772s vary. I got one configuration JFK-EZE and back and another JFK-CDG (CDG-JFK was in a 763). As 2 772 flights were in emergency exit/bulkhead rows, I cannot comment on if there is MRTC.

Seat recline is rather limited. If you go by QF's rather generous recline, you'll be disappointed on AA.

BA has better premium products, but if you're going on coach, AA's MRTC makes them the winner in my book...

I would fly BA more often across the Atlantic if I could just accrue AA miles.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif I think their product is slightly better-
I have had great exit rows on BA 747, passengers in Y receive amenity kit with eye mask and socks, you get a printed menu along with better food. Downer is that movie is on the big screen as opposed to 777 with entertainment center.

Of course I could be biased as I fly AA transatlantic most of the time and possibly getting bored with 777 and 767s, deep dish pizzas, etc. If you are PLT, BA lounges are absolutely fabulous! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


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"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

I too recommend coach on AA rather than BA. I haven't travelled on either in coach lately, but have asked quite a few others who have. They generally seem to favor AA over BA in coach and BA over AA in premium class. (WT+ is a different story).

777 as opposed to 747 gets you better entertainment. Also if your equipment is MRTC (quite likely) then it is superior to BA regular coach.