BA vs IB
 

I need to get from FCO-CDG.

I can do it on BA or IB (part of my DONE4 and Oneworld Visit Pass).

The good thing on IB is that they use ORY (= a lot closer to the city).

However I just want to know how user friendly is BCN?

I think I will have 2 hrs layover in BCN. Is this enough?

As I never travelled on IB before, how is the service on IB (in J and Y Class) Better ot worse than BA?

Thanks

If it's IB, you stay in the same terminal. BCN is okay. You may use the lounge but bear in mind that even though it's 'non-smoking' throughout the airport... nobody really cares and you'll encounter whiffs of smoke everywhere!

BA's service in both classes are definitely better IMO than IB. But then again, if you take BA via LHR, just be prepared for delays if you're travelling at peak hours.

You could have opted for the SWISS airpass which you can buy for US$265 for a minimum of 2 coupons within Europe and is not restricted to travelling on LX from overseas. Then you'd be able to fly FCO-ZRH-CDG, and still earn miles (though not status miles).. on Asiamiles.

OR you could have just asked your TA to book you a roundtrip on AF (and throw away the return) for something like US$140 and at least it's DIRECT.

GB Thanks for your advice. However given my luggage and also potential connection with my DONE4 I think if I start to use Non-Oneworld partners it might cause problems. Also even with the Visit Pass I need to make sure my TA links in correctly so that the airline know that I have a DONE4 and not just the european sectors!

I prefer IB for breakfast flights - I find the spanish style breakfast infinitely superior to the English fry up they serve in J on BA. Other than that, I think BA is miles ahead in every area from BA, at least in J. Not too sure about the Y comparison as I've never flown IB Y.

newcx12345 FYI... for your IB flights, credit them to QANTAS FF if you have one as you'll get full 100% mileage credit. Unfortunately on Asiamiles, you won't receive ANY mileage credit on IB flights if it's not in Y or R booking class.

Thanks GB. You are such a wealth of info!

However I think to be safe and do what I am used to. I will take the BA flights instead. I till leave FCO @ 12:15pm and arrive at CDG by 18:15pm

A LONG DAY!

Well at least I will be there in time for dinner! and maybe a quick trip up the Eiffel Tower for dessert.

Just dessert at La Tour Effel? Not without a reservation, you're not!

Amex Centurion will get him in. ;)

newcx, that is a rather ridiculous amount of time to fly just to stay on OneWorld. Why not just go the AF route? There's as much likelihood as them losing your luggage as anyone else.

Would that be ice-cream then? ;)

Anyway back on topic I would recommend the BA option over IB. Have a good trip!

It is not because of they loose the luggage (well checking into and from CDG is always a high risk anyway! I lost my luggage there twice on my last trip!)

IT is because on the DONE4 you are allowed 2 piece per person and 30kg per piece, whereas on AF only 20Kgs.

But the AF route does save a lot of time...

For the Eiffel Tower, I did get in last time even without Centurion AMEX. I think towards the end of the evening the demand for tables at Le Jules Verne is not that big.

Even on a DONE4 that's a lot of luggage. Why don't you do what many people do and ship ahead/back what you do not need? I hate trudging around the planet laden with luggage.

Where are you going after CDG? LON? Take the AF flight, enjoy 6 extra hours in Paris (you can dine instead of just having dessert), and treat yourself to a Eurostar premium cabin to LON.