British Airways vs American Airlines – Which Airline is Best?

There are a huge variety of airlines to choose from when travelling, and they go practically anywhere in the world. You should consider the in-flight experience in addition to the cost of your ticket when choosing which airline is best for your trip. If you’re travelling a long distance, the service, entertainment, and food you’ll be provided as you work up an appetite will all play a significant role in your flight.

We’ll compare British Airways and American Airlines to assist you in choosing between two of the busiest airlines in the world. With more than 200 million passengers carried annually, American Airlines is the most popular airline in the world. The largest foreign airline in the UK, by contrast, is British Airways. Every year, it transports about 45 million people to locations all over the world.

You can learn more about both American Airlines and British Airways using our comparison tool. We’ll carefully examine all the factors that are likely to be significant to you from what they both have to offer in terms of their in-flight entertainment, food, and extra fees, to assist you in making your final decision. We hope that by the time you reach the conclusion of this guide, you will have more knowledge and be prepared to successfully plan your vacation.

The key contrasts between American Airlines and British Airways

We’ve compared and contrasted some of the top-line details of the airlines so you can quickly understand some of the key differences between them. To determine which might be the most suitable for you, check at some of the important distinctions below.

• American Airlines travels 200 million passengers annually, compared to 45 million passengers on British Airways.

• American Airlines offers eight cabin options compared to British Airways’ seven.

American Airlines offers an additional luxury sleep package with a variety of extras, whereas British Airways has worked with The White Company on a selection of premium skincare essentials. British Airways has a top-notch punctuality record, however American Airlines flights are frequently delayed.

American Airlines vs. British Airways – Which airline ought you to fly?

We’re about to go into great detail about some of the benefits, drawbacks, and essential characteristics of both British Airways and American Airlines so you can determine which is best for you, whether you’ve never flown with either or need a refresher on what’s new. Additionally, in order for you to see how they truly are, we have gathered some first-hand accounts from passengers who have used both airlines.

Britannia Air

Here are some quick facts about British Airways to help you learn more. Every 90 seconds, a British Airways plane takes off from somewhere in the world. The airline transports up to 145,000 passengers each day, or 45 million passengers annually. They also receive 1.25 million bottles of Champagne, 9.9 million bottles of wine, and 25 million cups of tea while in the air.

Comparing all the major short-haul airlines in the UK, British Airways has the best punctuality record for flights leaving from London. They are currently concentrating on a lot of digital technology advancements to make flying even easier in order to enhance their systems and provide better service to passengers.

There are seven different fare alternatives to choose from when it comes to travelling.

One of British Airways’ most economical economy classes, Euro Traveller is the greatest choice if you want to save money when travelling through Europe. You’ll enjoy fully adjustable headrests, eye-level magazine storage, complimentary newspapers on most flights, contoured leather seats, and LED lighting that changes during the trip to help you unwind on one of these flights.

Additionally, there are three fare categories: Basic, Plus, and Plus Flex. Plus includes hand luggage and gives flexibility, while Plus Flex is the most inexpensive choice. Basic is less expensive but includes hand luggage.

World Traveller: This fare, another economical choice, is the best choice for those going outside of Europe. It is built for comfort with ergonomic chairs and an adjustable headrest, and you even get a soft cushion and blanket along with flight socks, an eye mask, a toothbrush, and toothpaste upon request.

There are two choices once more: Basic and Standard. Their cheapest cost, Basic, gives you a seat and lets you bring hand bags on board. The Standard plan is all-inclusive and includes pre-flight seat selection and checked baggage. Both packages includes exquisite meals and bar service, and a personal flat screen TV and headphones to view a selection of shows and films.

World Traveller Plus: This is British Airways’ first premium economy cabin. It’s quieter and more spacious than World Traveller, with fewer rows of seats and people. The meals on offer are superior quality too, with seasonal menus designed using the greatest locally-sourced products. You even get exquisite china and contemporary tableware to eat your meals from. Like World Traveller, you’ll receive headphones and flat screen TVs to watch films from, but you’ll enjoy a higher baggage limit.

Club Europe: For business passengers travelling to and around Europe, Club Europe mixes business with pleasure. The Club Europe cabin is located at the front of the plane, and British Airways always keeps the middle seat free so that you’re guaranteed a window or aisle seat with more personal space for working.

You’ll also receive access to the departure lounges, priority boarding, complimentary food and drinks, dedicated check-in desks to avoid the queues, a larger baggage allowance than Euro Traveller, and more Avios and Tier points each time you fly.

Club World London City: According to British Airways, Club World London City is like having your own private jet. Club World London City is their exclusive business class service, operating between London and New York. There are only 32 spacious seats with fully flat beds, offering you the highest levels of comfort and flexibility.

You’ll also receive a personal iPad featuring the latest films and TV programmes, luxury bedding and an amenity kit designed by The White Company. There’s also access to UK, EU and US power sockets for laptops and other devices available if you need them. The gourmet food is designed by some of the world’s top chefs, and if you really want to relax and unwind, you can enjoy a luxury facial or massage from Elemis – acclaimed skincare brand.

Club World: One of the most premium cabins on offer, with Club World your flight is an experience in comfort and great meals. Whatever you’re trying to do, whether it’s relaxing, working or sleeping, your seat is an armchair, bed, dining table, and office in one. All meals on a Cabin World flight come with a personal touch, inspired by some of the world’s top chefs, and all drinks and meals are hand delivered.

When it comes to the extras, you’ll be able to use one of the magnificent lounges before you fly, experience speedier check-in and boarding, and pack more for your journey with more luggage allowance. To top it all off, there’s the opportunity to pamper yourself on-board with a luxurious amenity box from The White Company.

In September 2019, British Airways will be rethinking their Club World cabins on some flights, giving even more comfort than ever before.

First Class: This is the most luxury in-flight experience available with British Airways. You’ll have your own personal suite, ranging from merely 7 or 14 seats depending on the aircraft you fly with, as well as a larger personal screen with ports that can connect to your own gadgets, a brand new touchscreen smartphone and state-of-the-art noise cancelling headphones. You’ll also be treated to luxurious meals, including afternoon tea, a variety of Champagnes and an à la carte buffet.

On the ground, you’ll gain access to British Airways’ magnificent departure lounges, including The Concorde Room, which is their most prestigious departure lounge restricted to London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York JFK Terminal 7. Here you’ll be treated to a quiet booth, full waiter service, private cabanas and a state-of-the-art business suite.

Features:

• Its home base is at London Heathrow, which is the world’s busiest international airport.

• British Airways travels to more than 200 destinations in 75 countries.

• British Airways has a fleet of more than 280 aircraft.

• You can join British Airways’ loyalty scheme, the British Airways Executive Club. This awards travellers Avios for every flight taken, which may be used on flights, upgrades, seat selection, car hire, hotel stay and excursions.

• Gold and Silver Executive Club members enjoy access to British Airways global network of premium lounges, fast-track security and priority boarding.

• A total of around 45,000 personnel work for British Airways, including 16,500 cabin crew and 3,900 pilots.

• There are 7 travel classes offered; Euro Traveller, World Traveller, World Traveller Plus, Club Europe, Club World London City, Club World and First Class.

• British Airways has teamed with iconic UK company M&S, offering high-quality sandwiches and snacks that you can purchase on-board on of their budget flights.

Pros:

• There are many fare alternatives to cater for every budget.

• All flights provide top-quality in-flight entertainment, with complimentary headphones so you can watch films and TV shows in peace.

• There are complimentary drinks and nibbles options on every flight.

• British Airways are considered to provide very good quality service. • The lounges are incredibly pleasant with many of bonuses.

Cons:

• Avios incentives have been questioned for not delivering adequate benefits. • The pace of service can occasionally be poor, especially on delayed flights.

Travellers’ popular impression of British Airways

To obtain a realistic insight on the British Airways experience, we’ve taken a look at some real-life reviews from travellers who have used the airline to see what they thought of their experience.

• One guest enjoyed the attentiveness of the cabin crew, who gave great customer care.

• Another customer praised the comfort of the trip despite the fact it was full. • One traveller liked the quantity of baggage allowance they received, as well as sufficient legroom and the professional and courteous service.

• Another passenger sadly didn’t enjoy a positive experience as safety flyers were pasted over the windows while the window shutters were open. Her colleague’s TV screen was likewise broken, so she couldn’t enjoy the amusement.

Continental Airlines

American Airlines is the largest airline in the world, with almost 200 million people going on one of their flights annually. There are approximately 6,500 daily flights operating to over 330 destinations around the world, and the airline wants to increase its feet size by over 100 aircraft.

Basic Economy: The lowest main cabin cost, Basic Economy allows you to bring 1 free carry-on plus a personal item with you on-board to any destination across the world. Although you’ll have constraints, you’ll get a cosy seat as well as complementary refreshments, soft drinks and entertainment. For a modest price, you can choose your own seat else one will be chosen for you.

Main Cabin: A Main Cabin ticket allows you to choose a seat for free before your travels, as well carrying on 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag. You’ll enjoy meals on your voyage, as well as ice cream and alcoholic drinks that you can purchase with your cuisine. In-flight entertainment is available to enjoy, too.

Main Cabin Extra: A seat in Main Cabin Extra offers a little more of everything. For an additional $20, you can receive more space and extra legroom in the Main Cabin. As well as all the amenities of the Main Cabin, you’ll additionally enjoy free snacks and alcoholic drinks, free entertainment and the ability to purchase wifi on-board. You’ll also be one of the first to get on the plane.

Premium Economy: This fare allows you rapid check-in, security and boarding, as well as receiving your checked luggage first when you land. In the air, you’ll enjoy broader, adjustable leather seats with extensible head and footrests. Chef-inspired food is also on the menu, with free entertainment, noise-reducing headphones and wifi. If you need to work, there are USB ports and power outlets to help get the job done. And for an added touch, you’ll receive a premium amenity bag and a Casper sleep set.

Business: On shorter international flights, a Business ticket gives a high-quality level of service. When you’re in the airport, you’ll be rushed through check-in, security and boarding more swiftly. You can also chill out in American Airlines’ airport lounges before you fly.

When you’re in the air, you’ll sit on bigger seats with extra legroom. All entertainment is free, and you’ll receive access to a wider cuisine and an award-winning wine list. If you prefer to bunker down and go to sleep, relax with the complementary pillows and blankets.

First: A flight on First Class provides you access to America Airlines’ top service. You’ll get priority boarding at the airport, and there’s the possibility to add Five Star Service to obtain assistance with your departure, connection or arrival.

On-board, your seat will have broader space and extra legroom, complimentary in-flight entertainment and wifi. When it comes to the meal, American Airlines have worked with famed chef and Dallas restaurant Julian Barsott, making the menu extremely exceptional.

Flagship Business: If you’re flying long range, Flagship Business is a premium experience for international travel. Like the other premium flight options, you’ll get rapid boarding and check in, as well as access to the Five Star Service. Enjoy the airport lounges and if you’re going to London, relax with spa showers, breakfast and a lunch buffet.

When you’re in the air, enjoy lie-flat chairs, chef-inspired food and free entertainment. Unlike all other cabins, you’ll receive Bose®QuietComfort® 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones and will even get access to live TV on select flights. You’ll enjoy top-quality amenities to help you freshen up and relax, too.

Flagship First: American Airlines’ most prestigious cabin, receive priority privileges, great cuisine in the airport lounges, and a shower to freshen yourself. You’ll also receive the best luxuries from top skincare and lifestyle brands Allies of Skin and This is Ground, as well as the Casper sleep set which includes pyjamas, slippers, mattress pads, pillows and blankets.

You’ll always enjoy a fully lie-flat seat on a Boeing 777-300 with aisle access so you will arrive to your destination feeling fully rejuvenated. You can also select when you eat, with a multi-course dinner replete with award-winning wines.

Features:

• Free films, TV shows and music is available on over 1,100 American Airlines flights. • Wifi is free on flights, and you can connect to the internet using your own device.

• Dallas Fort Worth is American Airlines’ main hub.

• There are a total of 126,600 American Airlines employees.

• There are 930 aircraft in the fleet.

• They offer the Advantage programme, which is the loyalty scheme that offers you discounts, upgrades, car rentals, hotels and other retail products.

• American Airlines offers 8 travel classes accessible; Basic Economy, Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business, First, Flagship Business and Flagship First.

Pros:

• There are tons of class alternatives to pick from to suit every budget.

• You get complimentary snacks and drinks on every flight.

• In-flight entertainment is great grade.

• American Airlines have joined with Casper to design a sleep set to assist travellers snooze and relax on premium cabin flights.

Cons:

• American Airlines has been known to suffer from lengthy delays.

• Customer service on the ground has garnered mixed ratings.

Travelers’ popular impression of American Airlines

We’ve gathered some opinions from real-life passengers who have already utilized American Airlines for their trip. Take a peek below at what some of them had to say.

• One traveller thought that the flight went great, the boarding and deplaning was fast and their first class attendant was excellent. They also appreciated the breakfast.

• Another traveller remarked that the food on offer was better than the ordinary meal available on a flight.

• One passenger was stranded at the airport but thought the American Airlines personnel went above and beyond to help them out.

• One traveller stated that there were frequent delays with their flight, but there seemed to be no-one present to talk to about it.

The Verdict

Both well-known airlines in their respective nations and around the world, both British Airways and American Airlines offer many reasons to keep returning back for more. From the cost of a ticket, to the cabin options on offer – and not forgetting the added extras you get on the air and on-board, there are plenty of factors to consider when you plan to fly with either airline, so we’ve summed together our final comments.

Generally speaking, one of the biggest perks to travelling with either airline is that they’re both part of the Oneworld airline alliance. This means that you can benefit from luxurious lounges in locations all across the world to enjoy a better flight experience, as well as being much better connected to planes and airports. This is a tick in the box for both, delivering a smooth travel experience.

American Airlines does have more cabin options to pick from – 8 compared to British Airways’ 7, but we found that there was a stronger distinction between the pricing on a British Airways flight, making it much easier to balance up the cost of your ticket compared to the added advantages on offer. American Airlines seems to simply add little things to each higher-tier pricing option, so when it comes to what’s worth paying extra for, save your money to travel in style with British Airways.

Food and entertainment also play a significant part of your trip, especially on long-haul flights, and with so many amazing shows on offer, TVs on the back of your seat and chef-inspired food, both British Airways and American Airlines are neck and neck. One minor added perk British Airways has is that on their economy flights, they’ve collaborated with M&S, which is considered a high-end British grocer and so their sandwiches and snacks are significantly nicer than typical. Many customers have complemented the cabin personnel on both flights as being really helpful and pleasant, therefore the overall in-flight experience seems to be wonderful on the two carriers in general.

If we were to pick an overall winner, British Airways narrowly edges it. They’ve freshened up a lot of their in-flight products in recent years and it truly shows. However, with an investment in digital technology and with a fast expanding fleet, American Airlines is very close behind. Watch this space…

Frequently asked questions about British Airways and American Airlines

Are British Airways and American Airways the same company?

While British Airways and American Airlines are very much their own separate airlines, they (together with Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Canadian Airlines, among others) founded the Oneworld airline alliance in 1999. This alliance allows you to benefit from more than 3,500 planes, 1,000 airports and 650 lounges to ensure your trip works as well as possible.

Does British Airways offer food and drinks on their flights?

In 2018, British Airways freshened up their food selections on its long-haul flights and now provide pretzels with a welcome drink, a four-course meal, a second meal or snack (which depends on the duration of your journey), sweet treats and drinks from the bar.

How many planes does British Airways have in its fleet?

British Airways now employs a fleet of 80 aircraft, which is scheduled to grow further by 2020. The existing aircraft models are as follows:

– Boeing 777-300 – Airbus A350-1000 – Airbus 380-800 – Boeing 747-400 – Boeing 787-9 – Boeing 777-200 – Boeing 787-8 – Airbus 321-200 – Airbus 320-200 – Embraer 190 – Airbus 319-100 – Airbus 318-100 – Embraer 170

What happens if my American Airlines flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled, then American Airlines will most likely rebook you on the next available flight. If this doesn’t work for you, you can seek a full refund or rebook on another flight online or through the customer service number. You shouldn’t be charged for any cancellations or change-of-flight costs.

Do American Airlines planes have chargers?

Excluding American Eagle regional jets, there are power outlets in all first-class American Airline seats. Some power outlets are present in coach but just in some seats, and when you reach to the back of the plane they’re only available in every 3-4 rows.

How many planes does American Airlines have in its fleet?

American Airlines operates a fleet of 956 aircraft — the most in the world. Models include Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and McDonnell Douglas planes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read this evaluation, we hope that you’re now armed with more information about the benefits and cons of British Airways and American Airlines. Both are genuinely wonderful airlines that provide a lot of benefits, so we’d love to know which one you ended up going for.