Trans-Atlantic options - BA777 or AA763

[Ev1dent]

I am considering my options across the Atlantic NYC-LHR in early July connecting onward to CPT. The flight options available to us for the first leg are (1) several BA flights JFK-LHR on a 777; (2) several AA flights JFK-LHR on a 777l or (3) JFK-STN on an AA flight on a 763. We will be travelling in D. All of the options are over-night.

I would appreciate any advice on two issues.
1. Which has the better seating if we want to get some sleep- a BA 777, an AA777 or an AA 763?
2. How difficult is the STN-LHR transfer? Would we need to collect our checked baggage at STN, clear UK customs/immigration and then make our own way to LHR, or does checked baggage get transferred for us?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Mal]

I would probably stick with BA, unless you are hoping to credit the flights to AA, where you really should consider AA due to the rules around no BA flight crediting USA-UK.

Don't attempt the STN-LHR transfer if possible. I believe you can catch a bus, or train/tube//train to transfer, but I wouldn't recommend it if you were able to get to LHR directly. The other option is a taxi, but that would be mega $. You have to drag your own bag and clear immigration/customs at STN, whereas you should avoid it if you go to LHR and your bag is through checked.

I'm not a huge BA fan, but would take them over AA any day. Their new Club World is a superior product over the AA Business seats on both the 777 and 763.

 

[NM]

I would not consider the STN option. If not crediting to AAdvantage, then I would recommend the BA option as they have pre-flight dining and the sleeper service on-board to help maximise sleep time.

 

[Mal]

If not crediting to AAdvantage, then I would recommend the BA option as they have pre-flight dining and the sleeper service on-board to help maximise sleep time.

The BA sleeper service is pretty good - basically you hop onboard, they offer a small snack if you're hungry, then lights go off and you go to sleep, maximising your slumber time. The idea is that you pre-dine at the lounge before getting onboard and there is much less mucking around.

Note that not all nighttime flights are sleeper service, more info is available at the BA site here: British Airways - Sleeper Service

 

[JohnK]

If not crediting to AAdvantage, then I would recommend the BA option as they have pre-flight dining and the sleeper service on-board to help maximise sleep time.

I think the OP wants to credit to AAdvantage reading this thread.

 

[Dave Noble]

If connecting onwards ex LHR , then the STN option is not one which I would choose

If you are looking to credit to AA, then I would suggest either

If you want to travel overnight

AA6680 ( codeshare on BA1502 ) JFK-MAN to connect to BA1385 to LHR
Depart JFK 18:00 , arrive MAN 05:55 , depart MAN 07:00 , arrive LHR 08:15 - you get to fly BA and get AA miles on this option

If you skip the overnight idea, then AA142 departing at 08:30 arriving LHR at 20:25 is the option which I would take; it may or may not have the beds , but for a daytime flight the old AA J seats are pretty decent

Dave

 

[Commuter]

STN-LHR connection is a right pain. I wouldn't recommend changing airports in London if you can avoid it at all, because of traffic, having to catch a bus etc.

I believe you have to collect your bags and clear customs & immigration, which adds to the nuisance.