ORD - BOM routing help
Mar 25, 2007 | 12:45 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,141
ORD - BOM routing help
I want to fly from Chicago - Bombay on AA miles later this year and was trying to see what the various options were.
So far I came up with:
1.
a. ORD-LHR (AA)
b. LHR-BOM (BA)
2.
a. ORD-LHR (AA)
b. LHR-DXB (BA)
c. DXB-BOM (CX)
3.
a. ORD-LAX (AA)
b. LAX-HKG (CX)
c. HKG-BKK (CX)
d. BKK-BOM (CX)
Have I missed any viable alternatives that will take less than 30 hours? The only Iberia routings I could come up with were over 32+ hours.
Thanks!
So far I came up with:
1.
a. ORD-LHR (AA)
b. LHR-BOM (BA)
2.
a. ORD-LHR (AA)
b. LHR-DXB (BA)
c. DXB-BOM (CX)
3.
a. ORD-LAX (AA)
b. LAX-HKG (CX)
c. HKG-BKK (CX)
d. BKK-BOM (CX)
Have I missed any viable alternatives that will take less than 30 hours? The only Iberia routings I could come up with were over 32+ hours.
Thanks!
Mar 25, 2007 | 2:49 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 540
I'm not aware of the ins and outs of AA mileage redemptions, so forgive my ignorance but unless you are planning on stopping over en route why would you not look at ORD-DEL then get a cheap internal flight to BOM? I would have thought that'd give you the shortest travel time.
If you do look at going the LHR route then i'd strongly suggest you look at flying something like ORD-YYZ-LHR-BOM, taking the ORD-YYZ flight will allow for a T4-T4 connection at Heathrow, far more straightforward and far less hassle than having to connect via T3 - which is what an AA -> BA transfer will be.
When are you planning of travelling and what class?
CX have a new Y/J/F product rolling out and thus travel via LAX/SFO to HKG could be attractive if you are looking at travelling in 10-12 months time when more of the fleet have been kitted out.
Similarly with BA and the ongoing saga that is T5 - which (I believe ) is due to come into action in March 08. But that would be more of a gamble as it is likely to either be an utter shambles highlighting the general incompetency of BAA
or it'll be a dream come true. Fingers crossed for the latter! ^
If you do look at going the LHR route then i'd strongly suggest you look at flying something like ORD-YYZ-LHR-BOM, taking the ORD-YYZ flight will allow for a T4-T4 connection at Heathrow, far more straightforward and far less hassle than having to connect via T3 - which is what an AA -> BA transfer will be.
When are you planning of travelling and what class?
CX have a new Y/J/F product rolling out and thus travel via LAX/SFO to HKG could be attractive if you are looking at travelling in 10-12 months time when more of the fleet have been kitted out.
Similarly with BA and the ongoing saga that is T5 - which (I believe ) is due to come into action in March 08. But that would be more of a gamble as it is likely to either be an utter shambles highlighting the general incompetency of BAA
or it'll be a dream come true. Fingers crossed for the latter! ^
Mar 25, 2007 | 3:09 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Stamford, CT
Posts: 68
Another option that could open up post April, is Royal Jordanian via AMM.
Mar 25, 2007 | 7:40 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,898
I want to fly from Chicago - Bombay on AA miles later this year and was trying to see what the various options were.
3.
a. ORD-LAX (AA)
b. LAX-HKG (CX)
c. HKG-BKK (CX)
d. BKK-BOM (CX)
Have I missed any viable alternatives that will take less than 30 hours? The only Iberia routings I could come up with were over 32+ hours.
Thanks!
3.
a. ORD-LAX (AA)
b. LAX-HKG (CX)
c. HKG-BKK (CX)
d. BKK-BOM (CX)
Have I missed any viable alternatives that will take less than 30 hours? The only Iberia routings I could come up with were over 32+ hours.
Thanks!
ORD-NRT (JL)
NRT-HKG (JL/CX)
HKG-BOM (CX)
I have not check the schedules or mileage, but it is an option. I suspect that an overnight is required though.
Mar 25, 2007 | 11:34 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,141
I'm not aware of the ins and outs of AA mileage redemptions, so forgive my ignorance but unless you are planning on stopping over en route why would you not look at ORD-DEL then get a cheap internal flight to BOM? I would have thought that'd give you the shortest travel time.
If you do look at going the LHR route then i'd strongly suggest you look at flying something like ORD-YYZ-LHR-BOM, taking the ORD-YYZ flight will allow for a T4-T4 connection at Heathrow, far more straightforward and far less hassle than having to connect via T3 - which is what an AA -> BA transfer will be.
When are you planning of travelling and what class?
CX have a new Y/J/F product rolling out and thus travel via LAX/SFO to HKG could be attractive if you are looking at travelling in 10-12 months time when more of the fleet have been kitted out.
Similarly with BA and the ongoing saga that is T5 - which (I believe ) is due to come into action in March 08. But that would be more of a gamble as it is likely to either be an utter shambles highlighting the general incompetency of BAA or it'll be a dream come true. Fingers crossed for the latter! ^
If you do look at going the LHR route then i'd strongly suggest you look at flying something like ORD-YYZ-LHR-BOM, taking the ORD-YYZ flight will allow for a T4-T4 connection at Heathrow, far more straightforward and far less hassle than having to connect via T3 - which is what an AA -> BA transfer will be.
When are you planning of travelling and what class?
CX have a new Y/J/F product rolling out and thus travel via LAX/SFO to HKG could be attractive if you are looking at travelling in 10-12 months time when more of the fleet have been kitted out.
Similarly with BA and the ongoing saga that is T5 - which (I believe ) is due to come into action in March 08. But that would be more of a gamble as it is likely to either be an utter shambles highlighting the general incompetency of BAA
or it'll be a dream come true. Fingers crossed for the latter! ^
.ORD-DEL-BOM would probably be one of the quickest if not the quickest route but I'd like to avoid connecting in Delhi if possible! I guess avoiding the LHR connection would probably make it worthwhile though!
I'm planning to travel either in July or December in J!
. Will check out Royal Jordanian but it doesn't look like it goes to BOM!This routing is not possible on an all-partners award since travel to India must be via the atlantic. And it is not a OW award either since you need another OW airline. After 1-Apr, you might be able to do a routing such as
ORD-NRT (JL)
NRT-HKG (JL/CX)
HKG-BOM (CX)
I have not check the schedules or mileage, but it is an option. I suspect that an overnight is required though.
ORD-NRT (JL)
NRT-HKG (JL/CX)
HKG-BOM (CX)
I have not check the schedules or mileage, but it is an option. I suspect that an overnight is required though.
Piyush
Mar 26, 2007 | 6:09 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA 1K, AA Gold
Posts: 3,640
I recently flew ORD-LHR-BOM on AA/BA and the T3-T4 transit literally took over two hours of standing in security lines. The problem with transit in DEL is that you'll likely need to stay overnight due to the arrival time of the AA flight.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
Mar 26, 2007 | 3:08 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 540
I recently flew ORD-LHR-BOM on AA/BA and the T3-T4 transit literally took over two hours of standing in security lines. The problem with transit in DEL is that you'll likely need to stay overnight due to the arrival time of the AA flight.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
If you can get on the earlier YYZ flight it will give you a 4 hour layover which is enough to 'whizz' through customs (BA J/F pax who have a non-eu passport get access to fast track customs) to the airside arrivals lounge where you can enjoy a power shower, get your clothing pressed and take advantage of a full breakfast spread as opposed to the grease-laden CW breakfast that is all too common.
You'll have plenty of time to make your way back air side, again, via 'fast track' the Gate 1 Terraces lounge is excellent and the least crowded of the T4 lounges. In recent months they have started serving hot food throughout the day in buffet style. Unlike AA all lounges feature an open bar. Champagne is available by the glass on request.
If you can sleep on planes then a direct ORD-LHR-BOM might not be too bad as you could get the red-eye from ORD with AA, head into central London for lunch/sightseeing then catch the evening flight to BOM which will get you into BOM for late morning as opposed to the early hours.
Finally, as already mentioned AY are due to start flying HEL-BOM later in the year. The connection times are rubbish, but if you fancy a day in HEL then go for it. I've neither experienced HEL nor AY but don't think I have heard a bad word about them on this board. It looks as though the one of their 343 aircraft are scheduled to fly the route and i'm not sure whether these have the new lie-flat shell-seats installed. One of the experts out there will be able to clarify though i'm sure!
Mar 28, 2007 | 10:32 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,141
Seems like that might be my best bet! Now I just need to find a friend in Delhi to hang out with
.I recently flew ORD-LHR-BOM on AA/BA and the T3-T4 transit literally took over two hours of standing in security lines. The problem with transit in DEL is that you'll likely need to stay overnight due to the arrival time of the AA flight.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
While the LHR transit option is inconvenient, I think it's the most reliable because BA was pulling people out of line who risked missing their flights.
Keep in mind that LHR enforces the 1 carry on bag rule VERY aggressively.
.If transitting via LHR i'd strongly suggest the OP looks at ORD-YYZ-LHR-BOM as that way they will have a T4-T4 connection which will be far smoother than the T3-T4 nightmare.
If you can get on the earlier YYZ flight it will give you a 4 hour layover which is enough to 'whizz' through customs (BA J/F pax who have a non-eu passport get access to fast track customs) to the airside arrivals lounge where you can enjoy a power shower, get your clothing pressed and take advantage of a full breakfast spread as opposed to the grease-laden CW breakfast that is all too common.
You'll have plenty of time to make your way back air side, again, via 'fast track' the Gate 1 Terraces lounge is excellent and the least crowded of the T4 lounges. In recent months they have started serving hot food throughout the day in buffet style. Unlike AA all lounges feature an open bar. Champagne is available by the glass on request.
If you can sleep on planes then a direct ORD-LHR-BOM might not be too bad as you could get the red-eye from ORD with AA, head into central London for lunch/sightseeing then catch the evening flight to BOM which will get you into BOM for late morning as opposed to the early hours.
Finally, as already mentioned AY are due to start flying HEL-BOM later in the year. The connection times are rubbish, but if you fancy a day in HEL then go for it. I've neither experienced HEL nor AY but don't think I have heard a bad word about them on this board. It looks as though the one of their 343 aircraft are scheduled to fly the route and i'm not sure whether these have the new lie-flat shell-seats installed. One of the experts out there will be able to clarify though i'm sure!
If you can get on the earlier YYZ flight it will give you a 4 hour layover which is enough to 'whizz' through customs (BA J/F pax who have a non-eu passport get access to fast track customs) to the airside arrivals lounge where you can enjoy a power shower, get your clothing pressed and take advantage of a full breakfast spread as opposed to the grease-laden CW breakfast that is all too common.
You'll have plenty of time to make your way back air side, again, via 'fast track' the Gate 1 Terraces lounge is excellent and the least crowded of the T4 lounges. In recent months they have started serving hot food throughout the day in buffet style. Unlike AA all lounges feature an open bar. Champagne is available by the glass on request.
If you can sleep on planes then a direct ORD-LHR-BOM might not be too bad as you could get the red-eye from ORD with AA, head into central London for lunch/sightseeing then catch the evening flight to BOM which will get you into BOM for late morning as opposed to the early hours.
Finally, as already mentioned AY are due to start flying HEL-BOM later in the year. The connection times are rubbish, but if you fancy a day in HEL then go for it. I've neither experienced HEL nor AY but don't think I have heard a bad word about them on this board. It looks as though the one of their 343 aircraft are scheduled to fly the route and i'm not sure whether these have the new lie-flat shell-seats installed. One of the experts out there will be able to clarify though i'm sure!
. I think I will call AA armed with all the information from this thread!Thanks a lot to every one for all the help!
Aug 9, 2007 | 10:31 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,141
Just wanted to give a quick update on my flight and thank every one for all the help! I leave later this month
AA66 in FIRST Class
Depart Chicago 18:00
Arrive London-Heathrow 07:50
OPERATED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
BA139 in FIRST Class
Depart London-Heathrow 11:05
Arrive Mumbai 00:15
OPERATED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS
Mumbai to Chicago
BA138 in FIRST Class
Depart Mumbai 02:15
Arrive London-Heathrow 07:35
OPERATED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS
AA87 in FIRST Class
Depart London-Heathrow 2007 10:25
Arrive Chicago 13:00
OPERATED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
So I was unable to avoid the AA - BA connection
. This will be my first international flight in F & I'm quite excited . Hopefully this will be a notch above VS UC!
If any one has any tips in regards to LHR, lounges, food (I'm vegetarian), etc. please feel free to chime in!
Thanks!
AA66 in FIRST Class
Depart Chicago 18:00
Arrive London-Heathrow 07:50
OPERATED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
BA139 in FIRST Class
Depart London-Heathrow 11:05
Arrive Mumbai 00:15
OPERATED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS
Mumbai to Chicago
BA138 in FIRST Class
Depart Mumbai 02:15
Arrive London-Heathrow 07:35
OPERATED BY BRITISH AIRWAYS
AA87 in FIRST Class
Depart London-Heathrow 2007 10:25
Arrive Chicago 13:00
OPERATED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
So I was unable to avoid the AA - BA connection
. This will be my first international flight in F & I'm quite excited . Hopefully this will be a notch above VS UC!If any one has any tips in regards to LHR, lounges, food (I'm vegetarian), etc. please feel free to chime in!
Thanks!
Aug 10, 2007 | 5:34 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2004
Programs: BD, DL, UA, AA, Marriott, SPG
Posts: 1,141