BA, AA or Virgin Economy

ferf1223

Giddytimes wrote: »

In my experience their planes are also dated and have no TV screens in the back of the headrests.!

I know you qualified this with 'in my experience' but it depends on the route, and the specific flight...we regularly fly with AA (though from LHR) and always have personal IFE...but we specifically choose flights on 777s.

We've not had any bad experiences with AA - but I can understand how if you've had your luggage lost 3x on the trot you would be put off them.

In general we would choose direct flights in most cases...just because it's less hassle...but on those occasions we've taken indirect flights (usually on AA) we've found benefits there too - same as duchy has mentioned - so we can see pluses and minuses both ways.

Kira000

VfM4meplse wrote: »

My preference is Virgin for transatlantic flights, but BA is also fine too. Striking aside (ahem, BA!), they also look after you if there is an unanticipated problem.

American Airlines don't have the best reputation.

If strike potential is an issue, then better with BA right now. The Crew dispute is resolved, and even if not, they have procedures to fly all their Long haul flights.

Virgin however are currently under threat of strikes by their pilots, and if the pilots strike, ain't nobody else going to be flying that there plane!!

stoneman

Giddytimes wrote: »

In my opinion AA are completely hopeless, I would avoid them at all costs.

They are my prefered airline, seats seem more spacious and CC are more professional than most.

The last 3 times I have flown with them they managed to lose my luggage. Once on the Man-Chicago flight (final destination Miami-don't ask somehow it was cheaper to do it that way!).

They didn't lose your luggage, the airport handling agent did

On my flight back after Christmas they lost it for 6 days, finally found it, told me it would be back with me the next day and then sent it to Caracas instead!!! It took 2 weeks for me to finally get it back.

The complaints department is also completely useless. I am still waiting for the pathetic compensation I was promised for the above lost bag episode.

We lost a bag while traveling with them and received a cheque for over £600 within 6 weeks.

In my experience their planes are also dated and have no TV screens in the back of the headrests.

A lot of there TATL planes have seatback IFE, I have never been on one that didn't.

The only reason I would ever chose AA is if they were at least 1/3 cheaper than BA or Virgin.

I also agree with the baove comments, it's more hassle to change in US airports and go through immigration, collect your bag etc.
Also if you have long periods in US airports you'll likely be bored, there seem to be no shops other than food shops. I tried to do some Xmas shopping in Chicago airport and couldn't find any decent shops, I did however count 5 McDonalds in one terminal![/QUOTE]
See how different peoples experiences can be.

jen_br

Have you thought about LHR to LAX and an internal flight from LAX to SFO? Or drive to SFO?

Giddytimes

stoneman wrote: »

They didn't lose your luggage, the airport handling agent did

Agreed, however my experience of their customer service after the events has been terrible. The first time my bag was lost they also made me drive to the airport twice to collect it (they didn't have anyone available to drop it off), the first time it wasn't even there. The second time I had to wait 45 minutes for the AA operative to finish his break.


We lost a bag while traveling with them and received a cheque for over £600 within 6 weeks.

I've been waiting 4 months now. I've sent numerous website complaints, which have been ignored (despite me getting an automatic response to confirm they have logged my complaint and will respond within 5 days). I've sat on hold for the best part of an hour trying to speak to an agent and I've written two letters. I finally received an email a week ago to say they will be arranging the cheque they promised me in January asap. I'd be happier with them too if I'd received it within 6 weeks.


A lot of there TATL planes have seatback IFE, I have never been on one that didn't.

I've flown the same route the op is considering and it seems they use the older planes on that route with no seatback screens.

See how different peoples experiences can be.

Completely agree, I wish I'd had your experiences.

Incidently op you may also wish to consider that flying with an EU airline means your costs will be covered should your flight be cancelled due to another ash cloud or similar.