BA v AA

[RussC]

Some thoughts on a recent trip LHR-AUS-DFW-OGG-DFW-AUS-LHR on BA & AA metal in CW/CS and AA ‘Internal First’.
1. Immigration/Customs/Renewal of Global Entry all done in 5 mins on arrival in Austin.
2. Hawaii entry seamless if trip details logged in Hawaii Safe Travels account and blue wristband obtained at dedicated desk (adjacent to gate at DFW) prior to boarding inbound Hawaii flight (Printed NHS Vaccination certificate accepted).
3. Interesting to compare AA 787 ‘Internal 1st’ Flatbed seat with BA A350 CS seat. Basically the same seat with same controls but BA seat has much better legroom & ‘foot tunnel’ space (I am 6ft 5 in & didn’t touch the end of the ‘foot tunnel’ when lying flat) and of course no door on AA. However, preferred the seat belt on AA as shoulder strap could be removed after take-off, unlike the BA seat belt with the integral shoulder strap which gets in the way when trying to sleep.
4. AA still serve drinks with minature spirit bottles, unlike BA which premix drinks so you have no idea what quantity or brand you are actually drinking.
5. Was told BA will still serve meals on one tray in Club until the autumn.
6. Difficulties for cabin crew for food prep in forward galley on BA A350 well documented so not surprised to see forward toilet not available to passengers at busy service times.

[Mirp]

You can unclip the shoulder part of the BA Club Suite shoulder seat belt at anytime except take off and landing. There is a little hook to unclip it and you are left with a lap belt.

[jj]

@RussC, how did the BA crew compare with AA? Or was that unimportant from your perspective?

[RussC]

As usual, AA crew very variable. Outbound crew really good but inbound to DFW crew did absolutely minimum. BA crew were very good, chatty and helpful but didn’t explain about unclipping shoulder belt and the rules about it, which the AA crew did.