Help with an award RTW

[N860CR]

I'm in the process of booking an award RTW (QFF) for next year. I'm after a few opinions.

Firstly, as there are no One World flights CAI-CDG, my options are BA via LHR or IB via Barcelona. In terms of product I'd assume BA will be better (we're talking economy all the way here ), but is it easier to connect in Barcelona than LHR?

Secondly, from CDG-JFK I have the option of direct with AA (on a 767) or via LHR on BA (A320/747). Now I know American isn't good, but is it worth throwing in another connection in LHR just to avoid flying them? I'll be on AA from JFK-LAX so I don't need to use them here to add the "3rd airline" to the trip.

Finally, I'm assuming the direct LAX-SYD flights fill up very quickly? I'm searching dates in July next year and only finding routing via NRT or HKG... and just as I say that I've found one 5 days after I was planning for. Guess they do just fill up quickly! (yep answered my own question)

 

[NM]

The CAI-LHR flight and the LHR-CDG flight both use T4 at LHR, so the connection will be as straight forward as it gets at LHR. I have not used BCN so can't offer a comparison.

 

[Shano]

The CAI-LHR flight and the LHR-CDG flight both use T4 at LHR, so the connection will be as straight forward as it gets at LHR. I have not used BCN so can't offer a comparison.

BCN is much smaller than LHR but does have multiple terminals. From memory all but the domestic only terminal are connected by walkways. As your connecting flights are both with IB then you should arrive and depart from the same terminal, so transitting should be straightforward. If you don't have lounge access, then the gate lounges can get pretty full at BCN as one open area serves multiple departure gates.

If time /schedule / fare permitted then Barcelona is well worth a look, even if only for 24 hours, although tends to be full of English tourists

 

[NM]

If time /schedule / fare permitted then Barcelona is well worth a look, even if only for 24 hours, although tends to be full of English tourists

While London tends to be full of Aussie tourists :mrgreen: .

 

[Shano]

While London tends to be full of Aussie tourists :mrgreen: .

Well there is the solution for the OP - AVOID LONDON

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

BCN is much smaller than LHR but does have multiple terminals. From memory all but the domestic only terminal are connected by walkways.

Yes all connected airside other than domestic and also the new LCC terminal. It is, however, a loooong walk from one end to the other (same with MAD too - what is it with Spanish airports?). That said, much easier connecting at BCN than LHR.

 

[Alan in CBR]

Given that the transit in LHR on the way to CDG is T4 to T4, I would do that. I find BA not too bad in Economy.

On the way to JFK, I would take the non-stop CDG-JFK on AA. BA is better than AA in Economy, but I don't think the difference is enough to make me go via LHR with a flight change, even though it would still be T4 to T4.

I just looked at tomorrow's AA CDG-JFK flights and they are wide open in Economy. If that's indicative of the route, it looks it could be reasonably comfortable down the back.

Seems to be more of a lottery on BA's LHR-JFK flights - some are full and others are wide open.

 

[NM]

On the way to JFK, I would take the non-stop CDG-JFK on AA. BA is better than AA in Economy, but I don't think the difference is enough to make me go via LHR with a flight change, even though it would still be T4 to T4.

And of course you would be influenced by the BA trans-Atlantic flight being ineligible for AAdvantage earning .

 

[Alan in CBR]

And of course you would be influenced by the BA trans-Atlantic flight being ineligible for AAdvantage earning .

Well, yes, there is that.

Perhaps I should have started my statement with, "Even ignoring the inability to earn AAdvantage miles on BA between LHR and JFK ...".

 

[NM]

Well, yes, there is that.

Perhaps I should have started my statement with, "Even ignoring the inability to earn AAdvantage miles on BA between LHR and JFK ...".

Then we would know you were fibbing .... no good EXP member would ever ignore that fact .