London - New York flight options

[telstarbox]

I'm potentially looking at a week in New York in August and currently considering the flight options. There's not a huge difference in price between the various airlines and I don't have any loyalty points etc, so would be interested to hear any recent experiences, positive or negative.

 

[Lrd]

I flew with Virgin Atlantic both ways in 2016 from Heathrow to JFK and was very happy. Comfortable seats, food was good enough, staff were great and the Dreamliner plane was fancy at the time.

I've also done Toronto to Birmingham via Reykjavik, Iceland which was fine, the connection in Iceland was nice and simple. Although buying a croissant and being charged over 1000 Krona shocked me a bit.

 

[atillathehunn]

Fly with a European airline to ensure that any delays are covered by EC/261 in both directions.

That gives you BA, Virgin, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa, Iberia at a pinch.

Would suggest that the new economy class BA service is a bit naff, but on the other hand it's only 7 hours.

 

[telstarbox]

Thanks, hadn't considered that aspect. Norwegian aren't covered then?

 

[atillathehunn]

Ah! Sorry, I forgot them. Yes the act does cover them. You could also add them into the equation but I would strongly consider that given the big problems with 787 engines, relying on a 787 only fleet might be a sticky wicket. Service is likely to be on a leased A330 or A340 instead.

What's the price difference out of interest between Norwegian and the next flag carrier?

 

[AM9]

Ah! Sorry, I forgot them. Yes the act does cover them. You could also add them into the equation but I would strongly consider that given the big problems with 787 engines, relying on a 787 only fleet might be a sticky wicket. Service is likely to be on a leased A330 or A340 instead.

What's the price difference out of interest between Norwegian and the next flag carrier?

Actually, you are covered by EU regulations on any scheduled flight departing from or arriving at an airport within an EU territory. So even using the NYC-LON sector of an Air India flight would bring the same entitlement. Of course we may all lose this right next year.

 

[Royston Vasey]

Avoid any 787s (9 across economy with 30" pitch is horrific), avoid 10-abreast AA 777s for the same reason. BA 777s can be good if refurbished or very poor if not, and their economy service is now pretty crummy. Their refurbished 747s to JFK are now actually excellent to fly. Virgin are pretty good.

A vote here for Delta 767s. Service was great, in flight entertainment really good and the window pairs are very comfortable. 2-3-2 long haul seating is a treat these days.

 

[telstarbox]

Ah! Sorry, I forgot them. Yes the act does cover them. You could also add them into the equation but I would strongly consider that given the big problems with 787 engines, relying on a 787 only fleet might be a sticky wicket. Service is likely to be on a leased A330 or A340 instead.

What's the price difference out of interest between Norwegian and the next flag carrier?

For the dates I'm looking at, about £420 return for Norwegian or £490 for BA (which includes a hold bag and food/drink on board).

Thanks for all the info above, lots to consider there.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Actually, you are covered by EU regulations on any scheduled flight departing from or arriving at an airport within an EU territory. So even using the NYC-LON sector of an Air India flight would bring the same entitlement. Of course we may all lose this right next year.

No. You are covered both ways when using an EU carrier, only on the ex-EU sector on an non-EU carrier.

Article 3

Scope

1. This Regulation shall apply:

(a) to passengers departing from an airport located in the territory of a Member State to which the Treaty applies;

(b) to passengers departing from an airport located in a third country to an airport situated in the territory of a Member State to which the Treaty applies, unless they received benefits or compensation and were given assistance in that third country, if the operating air carrier of the flight concerned is a Community carrier.​

 

[atillathehunn]

Actually, you are covered by EU regulations on any scheduled flight departing from or arriving at an airport within an EU territory. So even using the NYC-LON sector of an Air India flight would bring the same entitlement. Of course we may all lose this right next year.

Please provide case law, you are wrong on statutory interpretation. If there is case law I have missed, I withdraw my objection.

You are also wrong on losing the rights after Brexit. If you had examined the situation you would see that most of EC/261 is implemented in UK law via a Statutory Instrument, therefore no change in rights post any withdrawal.

It would be good not to post misleading information without a source.

 

[Bletchleyite]

You are also wrong on losing the rights after Brexit. If you had examined the situation you would see that most of EC/261 is implemented in UK law via a Statutory Instrument, therefore no change in rights post any withdrawal.

Unless it's later repealed, which is something I would expect to see with a fair bit of consumer / employee friendly law of EU origin.

 

[atillathehunn]

I would suggest it to be unlikely simply because of the position of London as a transatlantic travel hub and mimic behaviour exhibited by our neighbours. For example Turkish Airlines has voluntarily adopted the regulation as binding (possibly entire of Turkey, my Turkish is terrible) because of their status as a transit hub competing for European passengers to the far east. I would imagine that the analysis will show that the money lost through compensation would be a smaller amount than the amount lost as passengers switch their travel to other European hubs. If I can I fly with a European carrier to non-EU countries for this very reason.

 

[Royston Vasey]

To the, OP, consider booking as a Virgin or BA holiday, in my experience the flight + hotel options are such savings that it's like the package is barely more than the flight itself.

 

[atillathehunn]

Adding car rental is another good trick. No need to pick up the car, short term memory loss etc.

 

[telstarbox]

Can they charge you retrospectively for not picking up the car (and possibly denying an available vehicle to someone rocking up at their desk?)

 

[Crawley Ben]

So many different airlines and options where flights to New York from London are concerned.

Indirect options include Ukraine International via Kiev. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Aeroflot via Moscow. Aer Lingus via Dublin. TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon. WOW Airlines & Icelandair operate via Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport). Air Canada could be another option via Toronto. I see plenty of people coming in on these routes when I'm at work (Gatwick Airport) as they are generally cheaper than some on the non-stop flights operated by airlines mentioned below.

Non-stop options as others have mentioned include BA, Virgin, Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines (all from Heathrow). Norwegian Airlines (from Gatwick).

I've been to New York 3 times before (wife has been 6 times). It's a great city, but mega busy, and very noisy so try and avoid staying right on top of Times Square would be my advise. I hope the OP has a great time as the city IMO is well worth a visit

Cheers

Ben

 

[ld0595]

Although I've never flown them, Aer Lingus could be a good shout. My parents flew with them to New York last year and thought they were great. You'll have an A330 so 2+4+2 seating which is much nicer than 3-3-3 in my opinion. The biggest advantage is that you can pre-clear customs before you leave Ireland and essentially arrive as a domestic flight which can save a huge amount of time. It took me nearly 2 hours to clear customs in Philadelphia at the end of last year. I havent flown into New York for a few years so can't quite remember how customs was there, but it's something I would definitely want to clear before if I could!

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I’ve always found Virgin Atlantic good on the four trips I’ve taken with them, there and back.

 

[PauloDavesi]

Flights into Newark are a good option, it's an easier airport to use, and has very good transport links into Manhattan, with trains taking you right into Penn Station on 34th street.

 

[atillathehunn]

Cannot recommend WOW Air. Colleague used them to go back to the States this Christmas. €70 for cabin baggage. The only included bag (in an $700 ticket) was a tiny rucksack. It was another €100 or so for a hold bag. Service on board terrible, though transit in Iceland was nice.

1/10, would not recommend.

 

[Crawley Ben]

Although I've never flown them, Aer Lingus could be a good shout. My parents flew with them to New York last year and thought they were great. You'll have an A330 so 2+4+2 seating which is much nicer than 3-3-3 in my opinion. The biggest advantage is that you can pre-clear customs before you leave Ireland and essentially arrive as a domestic flight which can save a huge amount of time. It took me nearly 2 hours to clear customs in Philadelphia at the end of last year. I havent flown into New York for a few years so can't quite remember how customs was there, but it's something I would definitely want to clear before if I could!

I flew in to Philadlephia last May and waited for 40 mins or so to be seen. Not that it bothers me in all honesty as its one of those things when travelling. Their back yard, their rules so to speak. New York JFK can be a lot longer when it's at peak periods. Believe between 2-4 hours waiting time is nothing unusual.

Cheers

Ben

 

[Crawley Ben]

Cannot recommend WOW Air. Colleague used them to go back to the States this Christmas. €70 for cabin baggage. The only included bag (in an $700 ticket) was a tiny rucksack. It was another €100 or so for a hold bag. Service on board terrible, though transit in Iceland was nice.

1/10, would not recommend.

Not me me either personally, but if you want a seat only, and aren't bothered about anything else in terms of luggage, bringing your own snacks etc then WOW are the way many people are going atm.

Cheers

Ben

 

[Speedbird96]

Avoid any 787s (9 across economy with 30" pitch is horrific), avoid 10-abreast AA 777s for the same reason. BA 777s can be good if refurbished or very poor if not, and their economy service is now pretty crummy. Their refurbished 747s to JFK are now actually excellent to fly. Virgin are pretty good.

A vote here for Delta 767s. Service was great, in flight entertainment really good and the window pairs are very comfortable. 2-3-2 long haul seating is a treat these days.

Slight correction with Delta, on the dates the OP is suggesting flying, Delta will be using Airbus A330-200s on its twice-daily flights to New York-JFK (decrease from thrice-daily after introduction of the summer schedule).

 

[gsnedders]

Although I've never flown them, Aer Lingus could be a good shout. My parents flew with them to New York last year and thought they were great. You'll have an A330 so 2+4+2 seating which is much nicer than 3-3-3 in my opinion. The biggest advantage is that you can pre-clear customs before you leave Ireland and essentially arrive as a domestic flight which can save a huge amount of time. It took me nearly 2 hours to clear customs in Philadelphia at the end of last year. I havent flown into New York for a few years so can't quite remember how customs was there, but it's something I would definitely want to clear before if I could!

I've always found the seats on the Aer Lingus A330s a bit narrow, FWIW. (And I'm pretty skinny!)

 

[cactustwirly]

For the dates I'm looking at, about £420 return for Norwegian or £490 for BA (which includes a hold bag and food/drink on board).

Thanks for all the info above, lots to consider there.

For that price I would book with BA, who are just as good as VS IMO
Have you looked at Newark? It's better than JFK because it isn't as busy, it's quicker by train to Central Manhattan and you get a nicer plane (777 vice 747)

 

[takno]

For that price I would book with BA, who are just as good as VS IMO
Have you looked at Newark? It's better than JFK because it isn't as busy, it's quicker by train to Central Manhattan and you get a nicer plane (777 vice 747)

Can't say as I'd noticed any difference in time between JFK and Newark heading to Penn. I also found JFK to be quieter, although that was flying American to JFK and united to Newark - the BA terminals may be different

 

[cactustwirly]

Can't say as I'd noticed any difference in time between JFK and Newark heading to Penn. I also found JFK to be quieter, although that was flying American to JFK and united to Newark - the BA terminals may be different

Newark is only 30 minutes to Penn station by train, compared to an hour on a Subway train for JFK

 

[takno]

Newark is only 30 minutes to Penn station by train, compared to an hour on a Subway train for JFK

Why on earth would you get a subway from JFK? LIRR runs from the same station in half the time...

 

[Royston Vasey]

Can't say as I'd noticed any difference in time between JFK and Newark heading to Penn. I also found JFK to be quieter, although that was flying American to JFK and united to Newark - the BA terminals may be different

United's terminal C at Newark is huge and very busy; BA use terminal B which is fairly small, most times immigrating there, admittedly from the front of economy or further forward, it's rarely taken more than 30 minutes to have bag in hand and be out. If Lufty have just landed an A340 in front of you, it can be up to 90 minutes. JFK can be much worse.

 

[Royston Vasey]

For that price I would book with BA, who are just as good as VS IMO
Have you looked at Newark? It's better than JFK because it isn't as busy, it's quicker by train to Central Manhattan and you get a nicer plane (777 vice 747)

I don't agree with this on two counts.

First, the Newark flights BA185 and 189 are split between 772 and 789, frequently they are both Dreamliners. The chances are the 777 rotation is one of the unrefurbished G-VII* 777-200s which are a poor experience, and the 787s 3-3-3 seating and 31" pitch are horribly cramped.

Secondly the 747s to JFK are all newly refurbished and have new seats, more space and excellent in flight entertainment. They're probably the best in the fleet for the passenger, in most classes.

Newark is certainly quieter and easier to get to Manhattan on the train.