American Airlines / Finnair to US – what are they like??

[GeoffM1]

Hi All
I’m new to the forum, and after a bit of general advice about US fights and times.
Background is that we’re going to Louisville 13-18th October to meet some friends – it’s a short trip and we need to get some sleep on the return flight as we’ll have to go into work on the day we get back to UK.
Our friends always fly BA, but BA flights don’t work for us. So having trawled through flight options it’s looking like Finnair/AA are the best as can depart LHR around 10.15 and get to Louisville around 17.00 which is great as we arrive in time to make the most of the evening. And the return leaves Louisville at 18.18 but more importantly leaves Charlotte at 22.26 so we should manage a few hours kip on the way back.
We’d plan to fly out Premium (doesn’t seem much point coughing up for Business on a solely daytime flight – am I right in thinking this??), and return Bus Class in the hope of getting better sleep.
So my questions to you experienced long-haulers are: does this sound like a good idea? And, what are Premium Economy and Bus Class like on Finnair or American Airlines?
All/any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Alex G]

You won’t be flying from Charlotte to Heathrow with Finnair. It will be a codeshare on AA metal.

Via Charlotte maximises the overnight flight time so gives you the best chance of getting some sleep.

I used to prefer AA Business Class to BA Club World. AA is a very similar seat to BA Club Suite. No door but a good level of privacy.

The downside of flying home with AA is no EC261 rights if the flight is delayed, but I would take the risk for a longer overnight in business class.

[GeoffM1]

Thanks Alex, that’s helpful, and reassuring!