How does longhaul First class on BA (787-10/ A380) compare with LH (747-8/ A380) and UA (777 or 787)? Currently, BA roundtrip in F on SEA-LHR-Italy is below $7K, while $13.5K+ on LH/ UA.

I usually fly UA or DL, and one of the original objectives of my trip (apart from my destination) was to fly on the 748. However, seeing that big difference in price made me rethink my original choice of flights.

BA is by far cheaper and eliminates one connecting point. But I do not know how they compare to LH especially.

Thanks for any info!

Not sure what answers you are hoping for to make double the spend worthwhile ?! Especially on an overnight. I’d be taking the A380 on BA… however it doesn’t fly from SEA?

Are you familiar with either?

LH from fra has a first class terminal and may do a car transfer to the aircraft depending where its parked

Passport formalities might be done in the lounge.

If arriving into fra you might be met and escorted to the lounge

Ba would give you access to ccr

First on BA can be a bit average sometimes, but generally it is very good. Although IMHO $6,500 more to fly on a 748 is a LOT. Not flown on one but I am struggling to think how much different it would be to being on a 744. Personally I would perhaps spend the money you ‘save’ on a better hotel or accommodation whilst in Italy. Or food or wine!

Quite. 6.5K buys a lot of exceptional Italian food and wine

From my own perspective if I were to book it, it will be BA F with that price difference (less connections) and use that money for a better hotel/restaurant.

If you look at SFO777 trip reports on LH F, although the ground service is better than BA F, I personally don�t think LH F justifies a 6.5k difference round trip.

BA F has a strong champagne list, and decent and tasty food in F and on demand. I never had bad service on BA F, and the service has always been friendly and warm (LAX-LHR).

I don�t think loyalty programs/alliances makes a difference at that price difference personally.

And UA doesn�t have F, right?

Thank you for all the replies!!!

I used to fly AA and AS a lot around 8+ years ago and around that time, people were bashing BA, even business class as being the 'worst'. No recent experience hence I posted this question.

If I opt for a return via LAX or SFO, the A380 appears as an option. The option to fly roundtrip SEA-LHR-Italy with no other stops is about $200~300 more.

Never flown F before, other than AA (when they still had it on 772s), and OZ (A380).

Part of my current trip objectives was to 'experience' the 748 and the LH FCT.

Yes! The additional $6.5K is SUBSTANTIAL, and I was trying to figure out of the $13.5K price on LH was A) 'standard' price for great F service and amenities; or B) BA had to markdown its substandard service. LOL

I was willing to pay around $8K (total) if at least the return leg on my LH flight was in F, but I am being charged $13.5K for a roundtrip F, or a combo business + F.

Not anymore. But an option would have been UA business on the outbound, with LH F on the return, as noted above.

Don�t mind the negativity around BA F in the past, or �BA F is the best business class� on the forums.

BA F is better than any US 3 offerings. Sure, it is not as polished or robotic as EK F, but BA F shines when you are saving thousands compared to competitors and use that money to have a better experience else where vs that 12-16 hours in the air.

It is another story if BA F is asking a premium over competitors.

I�ve found that BA First is light years better than United Business, and often for a lower fare.

Agreed on the plane, but woe betide you should anything go wrong, or you need to change something, or get any assistance on the ground. BA are incompetent, inflexible and hostile when it comes to service on the ground.

That is good to know.

Although, I would be interested in knowing how BA ground staff are in comparison to LH staff. Incompetent is one level as you say. But "recalcitrant" as one other poster on the UA forum put it, is quite another level.

In brief, I was traveling on LH business class last year, and after an IRROPS, LH gate staff, lounge helpdesk, and customer service staff have either conveniently closed prior to the cancelation or just gaslighted me into thinking there is no other flight for the day. UA staff was light years ahead. I am told that LH F ground staff is a different species. Does BA have different ground staff for F and C?

Fares aside - LH First outshines BA first and UA doesn't have 1st.

The BA A380 is ok in F assuming the flight you are on actually runs

Based on the OP's situation and price quotes, BA F would be my recommendation.

LH F is excellent when it's good (and the 748 is wonderful), but the service and wine list can be variable. BA F is functional, with earnest attempts at good meals, and great alcohol onboard and in the lounges (especially at your LHR connection to Italy). UA C actually has a VERY good wine list these days; unfortunately, the food is no good.

I am not clear LH is much better