Yanksn4 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1392 posts, RR: 13 Posted (8 years 1 month 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2887 times:
Greetings everyone. Just a few days ago, I was presented with an oppurtunity by a good friend of mine to meet him in England. Now, my good friend has offered to pay my way to LHR and is willing to buy me a first class ticket. Now I have chosen three carriers that I am thinking of flying with to LHR. These three are United, American, and Virgin. What I want to know is which one has the better first class and who should i fly with to have the greatest experience? Also, how would you guys rate their clubs and lounges? Thank you for your time and please respond.
Clrd4t8koff From United States of America, joined Mar 2005, 225 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (8 years 1 month 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2876 times:
WOW, that's quite a nice friend to fork over that kind of $$ for a first class ticket, or else he has quite a few FF miles he wants to cash in on. Anyhow, back to the original question. As far as who has the better first class product, well, I would have to go with Virgin on that one. I personally haven't tried it, but from what i've read in the trip reports and the comparisons that have been made, Virgin seems to be the way to go.
As far as the lounges go, I think that depends on what gateway you use. I am sure if you are flying out of MIA, then AA probably has a nicer lounge than Virgin. If you are flying out of JFK then I would probably say Virgin has the upper hand.
Concorde001 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2005, 1230 posts, RR: 3 Reply 3, posted (8 years 1 month 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2856 times:
Lucky you!
Well if your friend is willing to buy you a first class ticket, do NOT chose Virgin because their Upper Class cabin is a Business Class, (J,C). Virgin does not offer a First Class Cabin (F, P). For First Class, I would choose BA. You will enjoy their brilliant First Class lounge in JFK, and if I'm not mistaken, you can use the Concorde Lounge which remains in JFK and LHR!
You can also use their brilliant Molton Brown Spa. Use the link below and just look at BA's FIRST CLASS product. http://www.britishairways.com/travel...public/en_gb?source=CF_first_en_gb
Wheelsatc From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 111 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (8 years 1 month 4 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 2856 times:
Well if your thinking of flying first then you won't be flying Virgin seeing as they don't have first class only upper class which is the equivalent of business class. I don't know much about AA or UA but I doubt they are better than VS or BA for that matter, BA of couse do have a first class which I would recommend.
AAgent From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 560 posts, RR: 15 Reply 11, posted (8 years 1 month 4 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 2662 times:
Although I can't speak from personal experience regarding either UA or VS, and have no reason to bash either of them, what I can tell you is that you will NOT be disappointed flying First Class on American Airlines. It will be a luxurious and enjoyable experience throughout your journey. Whatever your decision, I know you'll enjoy yourself. If you do choose to you fly American (and I hope you do), please post a trip report to let us know what you think. In any case, enjoy your trip to England and have a wonderful time visiting your generous friend!
Speedbird2155 From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2005, 847 posts, RR: 5 Reply 14, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 2589 times:
Quoting Concorde001 (Reply 3): if I'm not mistaken, you can use the Concorde Lounge which remains in JFK and LHR!
You are right, the Concorde Lounge is for First passenger now....and the select few former frequent Concorde passengers who where allowed continued use of the lounge for a limited time.
Wunala From Australia, joined Mar 2005, 939 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 2586 times:
I would recommend BA, for the service, adn the lounges. The Molton Brown Spa at LHR is great, and just what you want. They get you set for the journey.
If he won't buy you a BA ticket as such, then get a codeshare with AA, or get a AA ticket, and then just chnage it after you get you hands on it.
Also, I would consider who you have points with. A First Class to London will carry a few points and status credits, so it is worth looking at.
ANCFlyer From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 16, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 2579 times:
VS VS VS VS VS
That's your only choice . . . the other carriers are US based and the US based carriers service, well, in a word: SUCKS. I'd take VS Upper Class in a second, with the great seats and the bar up front, it's a no brainer.
Yeah, yeah, I'll hear all about how US carrier service over the pond is much better than domestic (no kiddin huh), but it wouldn't change my mind a bit . . .
Yanksn4 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1392 posts, RR: 13 Reply 17, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 2556 times:
Would it possible for me to use the British Airways lounge if I traveled first class on American Airlines?
Yanksn4 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1392 posts, RR: 13 Reply 19, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 2528 times:
Well after talking to my friend a few days ago, he changed his mind and said it would ok to fly British Airways. Right now, I'm thinking of taking BA out of LAX.
Yanksn4 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1392 posts, RR: 13 Reply 21, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 2504 times:
I've heard from a few friends that Air New Zealand has a great first class product. Can anyone tell me if they've flown with them on first? Also, thanks for the help and your opinions guys, i appreciate it.
OzGlobal From France, joined Nov 2004, 2593 posts, RR: 4 Reply 24, posted (8 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 2490 times:
Quoting Yanksn4 (Reply 21): I've heard from a few friends that Air New Zealand has a great first class product. Can anyone tell me if they've flown with them on first? Also, thanks for the help and your opinions guys, i appreciate it.
They do fly LAX-LHR as part of their AKL service, but are have discontinued First Class in favour of VS's Upper Class product.
When all's said and done, there'll be more said than done.
25 RoseFlyer: I have flown NZ in their international first class (LAX-AKL on a 744) just over a year ago. The seat is one of the worst first class seats on the mar
27 Paul: BA is the best without a doubt, their lounges are fantastic, plus the cabin is much more personal than the VS's. Why go to the bar when everything can
28 Fbgdavidson: People! Don't tell the guy to go with your favourite carrier, instead base it on your experience in First with the airlines the guy is considering! Be
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