BMI Business class
 

Hi there

First, so be gentle!

I want to fly from LHR to DEN in June. Ideally out economy and back business.

Looks like non stop flights are with United or BA.

BMI have a cheaper business ticket and this looks like a United flight - is BMI business the same as United Business?

Any suggestions?

Thanks, Steve

Hi

BMI does not fly Trans-Atlantic.

The BMI ticket will be codeshare on United, so you will have a United experience on a 777 in Business.

Given virtually all United 777s on international routes still have the old cradle seats, you can decide for yourself whether the cheaper fare compared to BA - which has fully lie flat seats - is justified. I would suggest the BMI ticket is cheap because United's long haul business class product on the route is significantly inferior to BA.

regards

Welcome to FT, copels!

BMI no longer flies to the US, so the "BMI flight" from LHR to DEN you found must be a United codeshare flight.

Fare Basis
 

Thanks for your replies.

Looks like Fare Basis is:
Outbound: BLWGBTT
Inbound: JRCZSUN

Will these seats be as good as codeshare seats I book thoough Continental or United direct?

Also - what do you think my chances are of getting the new upgraded cabin on the 777?

Hi Copels

If you are booked on the United flight, your seat availability for a codeshare should be little different from booking direct. The only likely limitation is that you may not be able to access preferred seats reserved for United's top tier frequent flyers, but that should be no real bother. If you subscribe to Expertflyer, you can check actual seat availability, and once booked you can request seats (easier on a United direct booking than a codeshare, but still not that difficult).

Your chances of getting United's new Business Class on a 777 in June between LHR and DEN are low to remote.

http://www.suitedreams.united.com/ indicates none are equipped, but I understand one is and it is possible a second or even third will have been by then. It is a likely route for any new ones, but it would be luck really.

In short, if I was paying, UA would still have to be at a considerable discount over BA for me to choose it under the circumstances.

That site is always out of date. For up-to-date information, see the Wiki.

Thanks Libertyuk - the price difference is £1,000 and I have colleagues on the United flight going out so it will be easier to arrange transfer if we're on the same plane when we arrive in Denver.

I think I'll go with BMI and pray for a new 777 on the way back.

Any strategies to upgrade on the way out appreciated!

Steve

You may be in luck! More info in this thread

The first reconfig 777 was due on its maiden voyage today. It looks like it will fly SFO-LHR-DEN-SFO so you may catch it Eastbound which is best for sleeping. The old seats are fine West bound IMHO.

Isn't LHR-DEN Westbound? Still, better than nothing. The seat's not the only thing improved.

Good point :rolleyes:

Well it was late Friday night and I'd worked my way through a nice bottle of Red....

The outbound fare basis looks like a coach fare rather than business. Return is a business fare.