SpeedBird203 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2006, 292 posts, RR: 2 Posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3461 times:
Hello, I'm shortly going to be flying from Detroit to London ( Heathrow or Gatwick ) but i'm not sure which airline to go for this year, I thought i would get some a.netters opinions. If i choose British Airways i will fly into London Heathrow leaving Detroit at 10:35 PM arriving Heathrow at 11:00 AM, On a Boeing 767-300, If i fly Northwest i leave Detroit at 9:25 PM arrive London Gatwick at 9:50 AM on an Airbus A330-300. Just thought i would give those details to get better opinions. I also would like to say how impressive British Airways new in flight entertainment is, They now have touch screens and you can also pause your own movie to use bathroom, have a walk, etc... I know NWA has this feature which makes the decision a little bit harder. I know prices come into play aswell but i'm not to sure what the Christmas prices are looking to be just yet, Anyway any opinions very appreciated thanks!
ZschocheImages From United States of America, joined Sep 2006, 138 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3447 times:
I'm not sure about BA but I know that NW has almost lay flat seats on the 330's, if you're flying first. I'm an NW fan so I might be a little biased, but whenever I get chance I always try to fly on an airline that I haven't flown before, if that has any impact on your decision.
Jetdeltamsy From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 2984 posts, RR: 8 Reply 3, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3447 times:
If I were you, I'd check seat information on www.seatguru.com . check the width of the seat and the pitch.
take whichever one gives you the most room.
both are cramped as the dickens in economy class.
Worked for too many airlines to list. Banktupcy after bankruptcy after bankruptcy.
SpeedBird203 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2006, 292 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 3434 times:
Quoting Lucky42 (Reply 1): I say fly BA if you can.......
Reason i made this post is because i haven't flown with NWA in a while and BA i have and wondered if NWA provide a better different service? Not that i'm fussy, Just interested in opinions, Thanks for that Lucky42
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 6, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 3382 times:
BA . . . .
I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed with NW . . . if their trans-atlantic service is comparable to their long distance (ANC-MSP/SEA-HNL) US domestics then BA would have to sink quite low to attain an equal stance.
Captaink From Mexico, joined May 2001, 5093 posts, RR: 13 Reply 7, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 3356 times:
Quoting Jetdeltamsy (Reply 3): both are cramped as the dickens in economy class.
True to that. (by the way, I haven't heard the word 'dickens' in years, made me smile and remember my grandmother.
I would go with NW based on the fact that being the aviation buff that I am, i like the A330 more than the 767. In terms of comfort, well I dunno, some say the narrower cabin of the 767 is a plus.
Anyhow knows, who generally has better catering? That may be a factor to consider.
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7453 posts, RR: 5 Reply 8, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 3344 times:
Haven't flown NW in more years than I can count, but I have been impressed with BA.
When you are in a cramped seat in Y the real difference is going to be the food and the quality of the service. BA has been excellent, comparatively speaking, in Y on all flights I have taken in cattle car. Business on BA is also better than the other airlines I have flown, but that is because I like their window seat - especially on upper deck!
As for the 330/767 choice- when you are stuck in Y overnight with the shades down it's not that important a factor for me. There would have to be significantly more space in order for it to make a difference.
Nimish From India, joined Feb 2005, 3077 posts, RR: 9 Reply 9, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 3337 times:
First off - I'm not sure if you're looking to fly Y or J. If it's J - then BA is definitely much better. If it's Y - then you might want to factor in the ability to earn miles on the trip - it's notoriously difficult on BA to earn miles on the cheaper Y fares. NW is far more liberal in that matter.
SR 103 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1702 posts, RR: 42 Reply 10, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 3301 times:
Quoting ANCFlyer (Reply 6): I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed with NW . . . if their trans-atlantic service is comparable to their long distance (ANC-MSP/SEA-HNL) US domestics
Actually NW offers a very competitive product Internationaly. You yourself stated above you have not tried it out. Trust me, even your beloved CO ramps it up on their international flights. Wish I could say it gives either airline more of an edge but that would be a lie.
Now as far as my personal opinion goes. I have worked for British Airways in the past but have maintained loyalty towards Skyteam when it comes to paying for tickets. I would be hesitant to give you my opinion on either until you tell me what class you are traveling on. All I will say at this point in time is, I always picked KLM over BA for my travels from India/Middle East to the US. I have done my fair share of NW metal in the process and do not regret my decision.
British767 From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2005, 284 posts, RR: 23 Reply 11, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 3104 times:
BA definitely. Although it was about 4 years ago that I flew NW on this route, but I can't imagine too much has changed. Mind you, if there is a big difference between the fares, go with the cheapest.
SpeedBird203 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2006, 292 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 3084 times:
Thanks for that guys, Well... Believe it or not you may think i'm crazy but i do have that option to go First Class, BUT I'm going to fly Economy, I'm not the one paying for the ticket but the offer to fly first class isn't something i'm going to accept, I'm not really bothered, The plane will get my to my loved ones, I'm not worried about a bit if dis comfort for 6 hours 50 mins, Lifes to short to worry about being comfortable! However it would be nice to fly in styles but i'm young i have plenty of chances to do that in my future.
SR 103 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1702 posts, RR: 42 Reply 13, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 3070 times:
Well if you are going to fly Economy, there is not a major difference at all. I would say try NW out since you have not flown them in a while. Service may not be as great as BA, but almost everything else is the same. However the deciding factor for me would be the 330 over the 763. NW has surprised me in the past, they may do the same for you depending on what crew you get. Either way have a great trip, you really can not go wrong with either carrier.
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3687 posts, RR: 31 Reply 14, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 3067 times:
Quoting SpeedBird203 (Reply 12): Thanks for that guys, Well... Believe it or not you may think i'm crazy but i do have that option to go First Class, BUT I'm going to fly Economy, I'm not the one paying for the ticket but the offer to fly first class isn't something i'm going to accept, I'm not really bothered
Well the decision has been made for you. BA don't offer First on the 767 and NW don't have First Class internationally.
But out of interest if you do have the option to fly something better than Economy why not take it? Are you flying with a group of people not wanting to fly above Y?
In terms of Y, well neither are any good. Personally I think trying to decide between Y products is splitting hairs, as someone has wonderfully put they are as cramped as dickens . J is a different matter, 2-2-2 on the 767 and while I haven't flown BA J on the 767 I have on other aircraft and heard varying strories from cramped to private and having an exclusive feeling. I have quite a bit of experience of BA's J product so if you want more information ask or I look through some of my reports.
If you can go F and can be bothered then fly BA F LHR-ORD-DTW and you'll end up with this:
Burnsie28 From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 7411 posts, RR: 9 Reply 15, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 3053 times:
Quoting ANCFlyer (Reply 6):
I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed with NW . . . if their trans-atlantic service is comparable to their long distance
Quite apparent no matter what happens even if its a good flight its NW did bad. Read many of the reviews and NW's long haul service has quite high reviews.
Quoting SpeedBird203 (Thread starter): They now have touch screens and you can also pause your own movie to use bathroom, have a walk, etc.
I don't think that the 767's have those. They must have changed the time of departure on that 767 because when I went through DTW just this past spring the flight left at about 6pm.
"Some People Just Know How To Fly"- Best slogan ever, RIP NW 1926-2009
BritPilot777 From United Kingdom, joined Apr 2004, 1075 posts, RR: 3 Reply 16, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 3037 times:
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 15): I don't think that the 767's have those
AVOD will be installed on all British Airways aircraft over the next two years starting with the 767's. Some have already had it installed, and with the 767 being used on the DTW route, passengers will and have been able to enjoy the new product as SpeedBird203 has.
SpeedBird203 From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2006, 292 posts, RR: 2 Reply 17, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 3016 times:
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 15): I don't think that the 767's have those
Yep it sure does, I just flew BA203 from LHR-DTW on a 767
Quoting BritPilot777 (Reply 16): AVOD will be installed on all British Airways aircraft over the next two years starting with the 767's. Some have already had it installed, and with the 767 being used on the DTW route, passengers will and have been able to enjoy the new product as SpeedBird203 has.
Kinda feel special now lol, That's so new and isn't going to be fully installed on all aircraft yet, and up to a 2 year time, Wow, Can't believe i have already experienced it, I never knew anything about it until the captain announced that he hopes we enjoy the new in flight system, I did think something was up though as usually at Heathrow while on the aircraft waiting i usually press the button the the pad to change the channel and i can see the map before we depart, I like to do it to see which way we were taking of to ( Even though the captain says that, its still cool ) However i noticed i couldn't do it so thought somethings changed, When i noticed it i was impressed, Touch screens, The lot, British Airways offer such a magnifisant flight with that new in flight entertainment i will more than likely be flying with them to LHR from DTW. Thanks!
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 18, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 2 hours ago) and read 3015 times:
Quoting Burnsie28 (Reply 15): Quite apparent no matter what happens even if its a good flight its NW did bad.
Not at all true. If I'm on a long haul ANC-MSP NW flight and it's good/great/excellent I'll say so. I owe NW nothing, and visa versa. I owe no other carrier anything and visa versa. I call 'em like I see 'em. Go read my other trip reports - on UA, AS, and NW. They are quite unbiased. If it's good, I say so. If it sucks, I say so. Period.
I haven't had a decent long haul ride on NW (In F or otherwise). On a scale of 1 to 10, NW long haul domestic is a 3 . . . maybe. Don't blame me, blame NW.
My comment stands. IF NW trans-atlantic is comparable to NW long haul domestic go with BA, especially if you're going in F/J.
SR 103 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 1702 posts, RR: 42 Reply 19, posted (6 years 7 months 2 weeks 5 days 1 hour ago) and read 3010 times:
Quoting ANCFlyer (Reply 18): . IF NW trans-atlantic is comparable to NW long haul domestic
If that's the case, don't fly any US airline, even CO. They are horrible by international standards! If CO international is as bad as my last LAX-EWR flight, wow! I fly a lot of NW and CO domestically in both F and Y. My Elite status with two Global Alliances and one LCC allow me to call it as I see it as well, just like you.
Quoting SpeedBird203 (Reply 17): British Airways offer such a magnifisant flight with that new in flight entertainment i will more than likely be flying with them to LHR from DTW. Thanks!
I hope you have a great time with them, they are a definately a great airline to fly.
I'm afraid you'll be quite disappointed with NW . . . if their trans-atlantic service is comparable to their long distance (ANC-MSP/SEA-HNL) US domestics then BA would have to sink quite low to attain an equal stance.
I agree with this
Quoting SpeedBird203 (Reply 12): Believe it or not you may think i'm crazy but i do have that option to go First Class, BUT I'm going to fly Economy
why not business class... Its cheaper then if you went First class through ORD (although that would be pretty nice) so yeah I'd check out the business class,or ifs thats not what you want then at least premium economy prices with BA!
~Cheers-
~~Kyle Horne
to some people the sky is the limit, to aviation enthusiasts, its home!
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