Hello all,

I don't know whether this is the right forum to post my query but it doesn't hurt to ask.

So,


I'm planning a self funded business trip to NYC in September.

I'm A3*G and OW Sapphire (CX now but will status match to Air Berlin).
I generally tend to prefer flying star than any other alliances.

Since the trip will be self-funded I'm going to fly Y (the cheapest the better)
but I want to maximise my chances of getting upgraded to C or premium economy or at least secure an exit row seat.

I can also get status matched to china airlines so can get skyteam elite plus status

So what should I choose between united, ba and delta economy ?

What's united's policy on free upgrades to economy plus or business for star alliance golds? It's probably my worst choice as the flights that suit me are on 757s (never flew it before, is it that bad?)

Also would you fly la compagnie? I can still find an excellent price (732 gbp) which I would have booked if my trip had been confirmed

I'm flying on the 1st or 2nd September and coming back on the 5th or 6th.

Thanks

If you are oneworld Sapphire you can select Main Cabin Extra seats on AA, very unlikely to be upgraded on AA or BA.

Bear in mind that no US carrier has premium economy. UA and AA have E+/MCE which are not separate cabins, simply seats with a bit of extra legroom. They are, however, the exact same seat and the soft product is roughly the same. Unless you are tall, there is nothing about either that really matters and both can be purchased, so I would not make decisions based on that.

If you are self-funded and cost conscious, I would recommend grabbing the cheapest flight which makes your needs and gets you from A-B.

Upgrades on this route is tough. It's a big business traveler route and premium seats actually sell out a lot of the time. When I flew the route last month I actually did a same day upgrade to premium economy for $308 for the Ewr-lhr leg on virgin Atlantic. It's hit or miss and I took the last seat available in premium economy. It may be worth it to just book economy and pay the small premium for the exit row seats. Don't count on an upgrade due to status.

There is also Kuwait Airways and Virgin Atlantic to choose from. But I would recommend AA since you are OW SPH so you select complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats

UA E+ was also offered on board when seats were available. The price seems to vary with the with routes IAD to/fm GIG was ~150US$, IAD to/fm FRA ~180, when I booked upgraded last time in Y to a UA premium seat. I would assume the LHR leg on UA to be in similar price range.

If you go UA, you should be aware that they fly to EWR rather than JFK. You will not be given E+ because of your status - you will have to pay for it like anyone else and the price will be about $150+. It only gives you about 4" more legroom - no better food or recline or anything - not even an amenity kit. However, you will get, as a *G, faster check in, fast track security and access to the UA lounge in T2 which is far better than the BA lounges in T5. You will have zero chance of an upgrade to J.