We are booking flights for our honeymoon in Hawaii next year, travelling from London, via LA outward, via SF (United) or Chicago (American) on the return.

United and American have similar fares (with American only slightly cheaper) and similar schedules - American have a slightly better option on the return.

Given the length of the flight, is there any difference between the two carriers or is all equal? We'll be in economy. Any noticeable difference in legroom, service, entertainment (in particular are there seatback screens on American transatlantic flights?)

Have flown with United before and had an unlucky experience as we were delayed over 24 hr due to mechanical problems and customer service regarding this was awful, although the actual flights were fine. We have no experience with American.

Any advice appreciated,

thanks
optimystic

I personally prefer American but there isn't that much difference between them. I would base my decision on the type of aircraft. I prefer 777s or A340s since these have personal videos in the seat backs. Also, check the seat pitch for each and best seats at www.seatguru.com

I would repost this on the airline board on here. Also, do a search on that board if you can't find anything.

For seat dimensions try seatguru.com.

We just flew to HI via Dallas and went with American, first class thanks to FF miles. Flight was great...but being in first probably helped alot.

Debi

Thanks RBCal - didn't know about this website - v. useful!

oh - didn't realise there was an airlines board. Thanks Debi - loved your hawaii trip reports!

Have you checked Hawaiian from LAX to HNL? We have flown them the last 3 years and they are great, puts you in the mood (also they still serve meals while American and United offer food for a few and it is not very good). We did fly American this past May to Kauai and they were not too bad. Hawaiian is also in the same airline alliance as American.