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[Suggestions Needed] Trans-Atlantic Business Class

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Supermac34, Mar 18, 2010.

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  1. Supermac34

    Supermac34 President, Von Wafer Fan Club

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    I am taking a trip to London in June (IAH - LHR). This is the first time I've flown a Trans-Atlantic flight in business class and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions.

    I'd like to stick to Continental code shares or Star Alliance members for my miles.

    The dates I'm going (the week of June 14, can't change the dates since its a "global meeting") already are sold out of the cheaper fare business class on Continental's non-stops (now priced about $4200 to $4800). My manager politely requested that we try to keep our tickets closer to $3500 since he's taking such a big group.

    So my options include a bunch of flights with stops with various Continental, United, Air Canada flights. Anyone flown Business on these internationally? Any tips, suggestions, insights?
     
    #1 Supermac34, Mar 18, 2010
  2. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    british airways is typically the best, but they're going on strike now...

    if you have to make a stop, then virgin atlantic is your next best option...

    the service from our domestic airlines (continental, united, etc) is pretty much several tiers below that of the european carriers......and maybe a dozen tiers below that of the asian ones..
     
    #2 pippendagimp, Mar 18, 2010
  3. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    also, you can check Skytrax on the web for passenger reviews and tips
     
    #3 pippendagimp, Mar 18, 2010
  4. rockbox

    rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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    #4 rockbox, Mar 18, 2010
  5. R0ckets03

    R0ckets03 Member

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    Whatever you do, do not fly AA business. I've sat on ****ty buses in third world countries that are more luxurious.
     
    #5 R0ckets03, Mar 18, 2010
  6. Supermac34

    Supermac34 President, Von Wafer Fan Club

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    I would have liked to book BA, but they do not code share with Continental or any other Star Alliance members. I do 90% of my travel with Continental and I don't want to give up the hefty amount of miles that this trip gives me.

    Virgin Atlantic DOES code share, but any flights with a Virgin Connection are getting up over $4000 again, and if that's the case, I'd just fly direct and hope that I'm sitting on one of the new flat bed Continetnal Business outfitted 777s.

    Right now I'm leaning toward a flight that connects to Chicago. Continental to Chicago on one of the new 737-900s. Connecting with a United flight on a 767 with apparently the new United flat bed business class.

    The return flight is the direct Continental 777 all the way. I think this is the best bet unless someone thinks Air Canada is significanly better.

    I could use Lufthansa through Germany, but despite being Star Alliance and getting base miles, for some reason I don't get EQMs on that carrier.
     
    #6 Supermac34, Mar 18, 2010
  7. Depressio

    Depressio Member

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    I've done Lufthansa business to Frankfurt and back twice, and it's pretty good. If you get a bulkhead seat, you can actually hack your chair to get it completely flat! (but I don't remember the hack, myself)

    I have flown Continental business to London, too, and it was better. At least the food and seats were.
     
    #7 Depressio, Mar 18, 2010
  8. DaDakota

    DaDakota Arrest all Pedophiles
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    Virgin is great, AA is not bad in Biz class.

    DD
     
    #8 DaDakota, Mar 18, 2010
  9. BleedsRocketRed

    BleedsRocketRed Member

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    If you would like to sick with Star Alliance then your options out of IAH are:

    Continental (Non-stop)
    Lufthansa via Frankfurt
    United via Chicago (ORD)
    US Airways Via Philadelphia on A330 Aircraft. (Very comfortable)

    Also, have you considered possibly going into Gatwick?
    All the carriers above fly into LGW as well and could offer a better price as well. Flying into Gatwick is much cheaper for the airlines than Heathrow.
     
    #9 BleedsRocketRed, Mar 18, 2010
  10. steddinotayto

    steddinotayto Member

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    I don't know about business class but when I flew to London-Heathrow from Houston nonstop, our plane was pretty empty and I had a whole row to myself both going and coming back and it was pretty nice to be able to have that kind of room to sleep for 9 hours. Also the keep you fed pretty well and their dvd collection allowed me to keep up on future classics like Bolt!, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, among other titles.
     
    #10 steddinotayto, Mar 18, 2010
  11. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    I agree about flying into Gatwick....

    Heathrow is Hell!

    and regarding the Lufthansa itinerary, Frankfurt Airport sucks as well!

    I would just pay the extra money and take the Virgin flight connecting out of Newark
     
    #11 pippendagimp, Mar 18, 2010
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