Continental or American Airlines?

[keasden]

Hi Folks, I am in the process of trying to book my next trip from the UK to Orlando and have a question I thought some of the seasoned travellers on here may be able to answer better than the folks on the UK Planning board.

I usually fly with Virgin to Orlando but the dates I need are soooo expensive, over £800 for each of us!!. Therefore I have been looking at alternative carriers and have got a reasonable price via a flight comparison site for flights from Manchester to Miami where I would have no problem spending one night before driving up to Orlando.

I have 2 quotes, one using Continental Airlines and one using American Airlines, both within a few pounds of each other.

My question is, is there any perceived difference in quality in these two flight companies. Is one generally regarded as being better (or worse) than the other, and why.

Look forward to any replies, thanks.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Ordinarily, I would recommend American, but I am biased. Strictly from an objective standpoint, Miami is a hub for American, so chances are better you'll make it to your destination in the event of poor weather or other flight- delaying events.

 

[eeyoresbestfriend]

I just wanted to put my vote in for Continental.. We have flown back and forth to Germany a few times, and have flown American a couple of those times, it was alright, nothing too great. I recently flew Continental to Hawaii, and I wsa Thrilled with the entire experience. Every employee I came accross was friendly and helpful, we were on time for every flight, and the food, IMHO was better on Continental than American. It was a wonderful experience, and I will be flying Continental again! Good luck! Have a great trip!

 

[CarolA]

Based on reviews I have read on places like www.fodors.com Continentals international product is better then American. (better meals, seats etc) I have not flown either of them internationally in years so that's all I can provide.

The use of Miami as a hub actually counts agains AA IMHO. Miami International Airport has been described as the US's Tribute to a Third World Country Airport and I think the description fits.... I try to avoid it at ALL costs!

(Domestically I don't think there is much difference)

 

[Piper]

I also vote for Continental. I have flown both airlines (and many others) and I only choose Continental now. That's who I am using for this trip!

 

[keasden]

Thanks for the replies folks, Continental lead 3 to 1 !

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

The use of Miami as a hub actually counts agains AA IMHO. Miami International Airport has been described as the US's Tribute to a Third World Country Airport and I think the description fits.... I try to avoid it at ALL costs!

That would be an airport issue, not an airline issue. The fact is AA has more flight choices in and out of MIA which could certainly help when flights are delayed or cancelled. I mention MIA as the OP wishes to fly there.