TATL – USA – UK – AA or BA

[Finn]

Hello,

I am travelling IND – JFK – LHR – GLA.

The IND – JFK leg is on AA and into T8. My TATL leg is in PE and have the option of AA metal from T8 or heading to T7 for BA. I have ample connection times at both JFK and LHR (assuming I need to transit T3 – T5).

In favour of AA is not having to clear security again at JFK T8 (I assume I stay airside) and use of the Flagship lounge. In favour of BA is arriving at T5. Both currently advertised as 777s.

I appreciate this is purely subjective but what would you do?

Sub question. If this is all on the one ticket can I check my bags from IND through to GLA? I’ve lost track of the interlining rules.

Thank you!

[ChrisC]

Stick with AA.

Yes at T8 you would stay airside so no need for security.

IMHO the Flagship Lounge is better than the BA lounges at JFK (save the CCR)

AA JFK-LHR operates out of LHR T5.

Yes on one ticket bags will be tagged through to GLA

[SamG]

AA JFK arrives at T5 now too. So I’d go AA personally and avoid the T8-T7 shuffle + having to reclear security. Onboard they’re pretty similar and you’ll mainly be wanting to try to sleep anyway!

One ticket the bags will go through to GLA

[Finn]

Thanks folks. Booking with AA made.

[dougzz99]

I’d do AA on the way to UK, simpler, all in T8. Assuming a return, back to USA I’d do BA just for contrast. Into US you have to clear border and collect bags anyway so the T7 T8 connection doesn’t add much hassle if you have time.

[SamG]

Another thing to consider for others in this situation if you don’t have status (sounds like you do) is AA PE seat selection is free. Especially for a couple who would want a window pair or a family/group wanting to guarantee seats together this is quite a significant saving on a return trip vs BA

[AJA]

I see I am too late as you’ve already booked AA but the one caveat in favour of BA from JFK to LHR is that you would be covered by EC261/2004 in case of IRROPS. Any issues with delays with AA means no EC261 coverage as it is a flight to the UK.

My preference for TATL travel is AA to USA and BA to UK for that reason.

[ChrisC]

Whilst EU/UK261 protections can be valuable only something like 2 % of flights that qualify for any sort of compensation or assistance so it’s not a factor that I give much priority to when booking trips to the USA.