Advice please - which airline do I choose?

[notzac]

Not knowing a great deal about travel in europe (heck, the only OW airlines I've travelled on are QF and AA), I find myself in need of a bit of advice for an upcoming trip from MEX to AMS. Due to flight timing, the options I have are as follows:

Option 1 - BA

23NOV BA242 MEX/LHR 20:45 12:55 24NOV
24NOV BA440 LHR/AMS 16:20 18:35
02DEC BA423 AMS/LHR 07:25 07:45
02DEC BA243 LHR/MEX 12:40 18:20

Option 2 - IB

23NOV IB6402 MEX/MAD 21:05 14:25 24NOV
24NOV IB3250 MAD/AMS 15:50 18:20
02DEC IB3215 AMS/MAD 08:00 10:30
02DEC IB6403 MAD/MEX 12:50 18:05

All of this is in whY, unfortunately. IB are ~10% cheaper than BA, but they're both within budget. I'm leaning towards BA for their possible better service, potentially better track record with baggage and being able to use the Galleries First lounge on the way over to freshen up prior to the flight to AMS ... but it means transiting through LHR. IB would mean connecting through MAD, which is supposed to be quite good for connections, though I'm a little worried about IB's reputation for handling IRROPS.

Which do I choose?

 

[ColinP]

My past experience with IB (inY) has put them on my personal "never again" list.:evil:

I'm leaning towards BA for their possible better service,

Better service on BA is a certainty IME.

 

[drron]

I thought IBs service in J was the pits.
Gave them another go and they went and cancelled the flight without letting me or AA(001 stock)know.The Agent at MAD wouldnt do a thing about it-we made our own arrangements-it was only to BCN so we went to the IB shuttle and changed it.
So I would definitely pick BA over IB.

 

[Travel Guru]

Airline preferences aside (though for the record i'd go for BA for service which is saying alot!), that connection in MAD on the way over looks a little tight for my liking, from my experience you may want a little longer if you want both yourself and your bags to get onto the connecting flight.

I'd go for BA, sure LHR's a cough to transit, but at least you've got a bit of time so youre not in a mad rush between flights.

TG

 

[NM]

Also note that as a QF Platinum FF member, you will earn the 100% status bonus on BA flights, but not on IB flights. So that may be a consideration/incentive for which airline to choose.

 

[notzac]

Also note that as a QF Platinum FF member, you will earn the 100% status bonus on BA flights, but not on IB flights. So that may be a consideration/incentive for which airline to choose.

Yes, but 100% bonus on 25% of miles flown = not very much. SCs are going to be the same for both airlines, and FF points earn wasn't a major consideration in any case.

Still, thanks (to everyone!) for their input - BA it will be!

 

[Evan]

I would say BA based on my limited experience (only 2 IB flights in whY recently). I just find BA a better option and depening on terminals you may alsi have better lounges to visit

 

[notzac]

I would say BA based on my limited experience (only 2 IB flights in whY recently). I just find BA a better option and depening on terminals you may alsi have better lounges to visit

All of the flights I'm looking at transit through T5, so I don't even have to change terminals. Looks like I get to try out the (in)famous champagne bar at Galleries First!

I've been searching for information about how flight connections actually work at T5, and I still don't really understand -- e.g., can I go from a MEX/LHR flight direct to LHR/AMS without clearing Customs and rechecking luggage? Are there any good websites or info I can look at?

 

[ludoh]

Ok - slightly different opinion to some others. Granted only have flown J with IB (between LIS-MAD-LHR and back) but found the MAD lounge (nice and quiet) and airport a bliss compared to LHR (avoiding that at all cost). BA lost luggage for me a few times (once chased it around a few continents) - IB luggage went through ok (Actual flight was LIS-MAD-LHR-SYD combined IB/QF).

Connection time in MAD might be a bit short though.....

 

[Evan]

All of the flights I'm looking at transit through T5, so I don't even have to change terminals. Looks like I get to try out the (in)famous champagne bar at Galleries First!

I've been searching for information about how flight connections actually work at T5, and I still don't really understand -- e.g., can I go from a MEX/LHR flight direct to LHR/AMS without clearing Customs and rechecking luggage? Are there any good websites or info I can look at?

Should have no issues having your luggage checked all the way, when you arrive T5 its much say like HKG, you have to re-check through security. But not customs/immigration.

If on AU passport it matters little sometimes i even clear immigration to do a terminal change (fresh air). In any case T5 to T5 is really easy and no stress.

BAA Heathrow: Terminal 5

I hope that link works.

 

[notzac]

BAA Heathrow: Terminal 5

I hope that link works.

That link is perfect! Describes exactly what I'm after, many thanks!!

 

[NM]

Yes, but 100% bonus on 25% of miles flown = not very much. SCs are going to be the same for both airlines, and FF points earn wasn't a major consideration in any case.

It should be close to 3000 QF FF points in bonus. Now I know they are only QF points and not the same as say 3000 AA miles, but hey, points is points