British Airways or Continental to London?
May 17th, 2008, 09:45 AM
#1
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British Airways or Continental to London?
Hi,
Previously, I posted to ask whether $759 was a good price for a roundtrip ticket from New York to London in mid-September.
Everyone who responded said yes, so thanks for the advice.
I have one more question: Which airline do you prefer? British Airways or Continental? The British Airways flight would actually be $744, while Continental costs $759.
I know some people swear by British Airways.
Thanks.
Previously, I posted to ask whether $759 was a good price for a roundtrip ticket from New York to London in mid-September.
Everyone who responded said yes, so thanks for the advice.
I have one more question: Which airline do you prefer? British Airways or Continental? The British Airways flight would actually be $744, while Continental costs $759.
I know some people swear by British Airways.
Thanks.
May 17th, 2008, 10:17 AM
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For me it would depend on type of aircraft. I like the 777 as it can have 2-5-2 seating, that way I can sit next to my wife without others leaning on me or taking up space. I don't like the 747 as they mostly have 3-5-3 meaning you are certain to have to share space. Well, that's my two cents.
May 17th, 2008, 10:32 AM
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If you don't care about frequent flyer miles then I would go with BA, as it is a better product. But, BA only gives 25% miles for most coach tickets, so if you collect miles Continental is the better choice.
For the record, all BA 777s have 3-3-3 seating in coach. And all 747s have 3-4-3 seating. No airline I know of has 3-5-3 seating. I believe all the 747s have the new entertainment system.
Continental does fly a 767 for their morning flight to Heathrow, which has 2-3-2 seating, if you preferred that arrangement.
Avoid the Continental 757s.
For the record, all BA 777s have 3-3-3 seating in coach. And all 747s have 3-4-3 seating. No airline I know of has 3-5-3 seating. I believe all the 747s have the new entertainment system.
Continental does fly a 767 for their morning flight to Heathrow, which has 2-3-2 seating, if you preferred that arrangement.
Avoid the Continental 757s.
May 17th, 2008, 10:58 AM
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Not to make a big deal out of seating, however I fly United from San Francisco to London on a 777 and the seats are 2-5-2. If you don't believe go to United's web site and check it out. My recommendation was based on my experience, which obviously is in error. The 747 does have 3-4-3, mea culpa.
May 17th, 2008, 11:10 AM
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No biggie. United and American both have 777s with 2-5-2. It is just that BA does not have this configuration on any of their planes. Since I also prefer 2-5-2, I thought it important to note that you won't see it on BA.
May 17th, 2008, 12:32 PM
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I recently flew EWR to LHR on Con- tinental. The plane was 2-5-2 and was comfortable.The flight was about 1/3 full as this is a new route for them. The food on both flights was better than I have had on flights in years. I was impressed with Continental but have never flown BA. I pppppaid around $600.
May 17th, 2008, 01:50 PM
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Are you sure you were on a Continental plane? They do not have any planes that are 2-5-2 that I am aware of, and their website says 3-3-3. They do codeshare with Virgin, which flies A340s in a 2-4-2 configuration, though.
May 18th, 2008, 12:28 AM
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Take Continental if the flight is operated by Virgin, if not BA. CO have only just got their licence to fly into LHR. Apart from comfort and price, the airline that maintains their aircraft properly would be the first choice.
May 18th, 2008, 07:28 AM
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For me the Continental 777 (not to London but to Rome) was uncomfortable. This was just my experience mind you, but it's just another perspective. The air cannot be controlled individually. I ended up with a terrible sore throat. Yes. Be sure to drink alot of liquids to avoid this. I didn't find the seating (we were in the two seater) to be all that great either.
May 18th, 2008, 07:57 AM
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There's nothing special about CO's 777. Standard 31", 3-3-3 seating in coach. 7 now have AVOD, but the remaining just personal screens running on a loop.
In fact, their 767s are more comfortable with 32" and 2-3-2 seating, though no AVOD.
Most airlines order the widebody Boeings without the individual vents. It's not a unique CO thing.
In fact, their 767s are more comfortable with 32" and 2-3-2 seating, though no AVOD.
Most airlines order the widebody Boeings without the individual vents. It's not a unique CO thing.
May 18th, 2008, 06:16 PM
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I don't know what Continental's seat selection policy is but BA won't allow you to choose seats when you book your ticket unless you have Silver or Gold status or are flying business class. (You can choose seats when you check in on line, starting about 24 hours in advance.) If seat selection is important to you, check each airlines's policy carefully - I might have mischaracterized BA's policy but I do know that it's bad for those without elite status. (I've got Gold status with BA and plan to stop buying tickets with BA as soon as I drop below Silver, due to their customer-unfriendly seating policy.)
May 19th, 2008, 01:31 AM
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frogoutofwater: You didn't mischaracterize BA's policy at all. Indeed, I'm ashamed I forgot to mention it, because it is important to many.
However, I would say that, if you check in online 24 hours before the flight, that there is usually a lot of availability on BA, particularly if traveling alone, or with only one other person. More than likely, you will have plenty of aisle or window options to choose from. It really causes problems, however, for families, as 4 or 5 seats together is a taller order.
Also, remember, that there are very few "good" seats on either plane, and 34C is basically the same as 36C. And, you won't get the good ones on Continental without elite status, either.
However, I would say that, if you check in online 24 hours before the flight, that there is usually a lot of availability on BA, particularly if traveling alone, or with only one other person. More than likely, you will have plenty of aisle or window options to choose from. It really causes problems, however, for families, as 4 or 5 seats together is a taller order.
Also, remember, that there are very few "good" seats on either plane, and 34C is basically the same as 36C. And, you won't get the good ones on Continental without elite status, either.
May 19th, 2008, 03:58 AM
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I think the issue is most conformable seating. The CO 757 is the most cramped unless you can get the first 4 rows in coach or exit row. (I cramped on a long trip to Amsterdam, once.) However the CO staff seems the most caring. I have not flown BA for some time so I cannot compare. AF, a CO partner, has Aero planes and a few Boeings and the larger ones are comfortable to me in my past experience.
