Delta or United for overseas travel

[AnnaS]

edited

 

[Tink3815]

I think either would be fine and as others have mentioned, business class seating is WAY more comfortable for such long flights. I doubt the extra price for first class over business is worth it. Might also choose the airline you are more likely to fly domestically since the frequent flyer miles can add up on international flights. If you can't use those miles for any future vacation plans, then they aren't worth much.

Thank you point I had not considered.

 

[starvenger]

It pains me to say it as a former Continental employee, but Delta is better. The New United is just as bad as the Old United.

 

[DCLMP]

I think either would be fine and as others have mentioned, business class seating is WAY more comfortable for such long flights. I doubt the extra price for first class over business is worth it. Might also choose the airline you are more likely to fly domestically since the frequent flyer miles can add up on international flights. If you can't use those miles for any future vacation plans, then they aren't worth much.

I would choose a business class on any airline if that was an option. The lie-flat seats are worth it. I've flown business class on AA a few times.

The food was good and the ice cream sundaes were the bomb. I ate and drank everything they offered, and they offer a lot. If your using that many miles or god forbid paying cash. why not indulge? You can tell who the really wealthy people are in the cabin because they might wave off the food.

I think the biggest difference between first and business is the seats turn towards the window, and the amenities like pajamas, and a mattress pad for your bed. I'm sure you also get waited on hand and foot.

 

[Robbie Cottam]

Delta has again become my go to airline.....
I have never had bad lucky with united, just never any good luck......
I like to refer to united as untied....... Seems like they alway just need to tighten things up a little.....

 

[LuvOrlando]

Great thread!

 

[starry_solo]

Alitalia, that’s usually what we fly out of LAX. one of them partners with a U.S. airline so make sure so you’re not disapointed…

 

[sam_gordon]

We haven't taken a lot of international trips (three in the last 10 years), and EVERY time at least one of our bags has not made the connection on Delta. Now, we always have a carry on with basics to get through the first day, and if we have more than one bag, we cross pack.

Delta has always "made things right" and delivered the missing bag to wherever we were staying.

It actually helped on our last trip as we only had one checked bag, and we didn't have to wait (we knew the bag didn't make the flight), made our claim, gave them the info for where we were staying, and was able to exit the airport before others' bags hit the carousel (therefore no long lines leaving).

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I like Delta in general, but we just did united to Greece and it was fine too. It was all about which tickets worked for the dates we wanted, and the prices. We did get the premium economy this time, and it was a definite improvement.

After our day of return travel, I rescind my statement. I travel moderately (2-4 flights per year) and our return travel with United was the first time I've had an entire flight just flat out cancelled. They offered to try and rebook us >2 days later. Options were extremely limited for any other kind of transportation at the airport we were at, but after several hours of effort and stress, I managed to piece together a way to get home with combo ride-share and one way car rental. Now I'm going to get to try and fight them to refund us for cancelling our flight.

 

[sam_gordon]

Now I'm going to get to try and fight them to refund us for cancelling our flight.

That will be the key. Issues happen. But how the business responds to those issues is enough to turn a customer away for life, or keep them coming back.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

That will be the key. Issues happen. But how the business responds to those issues is enough to turn a customer away for life, or keep them coming back.

I remembered that I bought travel insurance through the airline when I booked the tickets - I always do this for international trips - so it may be that even if United doesn't cover it, it might go under the trip interruption portion of the travel insurance. I've never actually had to make a claim on any travel, but it was about $500 out of pocket between the Uber and the rental car, so I guess it's worth the effort to pursue.

They could argue that the airline was willing to rebook me two days later, but even if I had taken that rebooking, the insurance would still have been on the hook for 2 nights hotel (had any been available, which they were not), meals, and transportation, which would have added up to at least that much. (The airline said they had no responsibility for accommodations since it was a weather related cancellation. There didn't seem to be weather in our area, but I know it depends on where our aircraft was coming from also).

 

[badiggio]

I've used delta a couple of times here in North America because of a couple of great deals out of syracuse to orlando,but internationally,without question ,United,especially being part of STAR ALLIANCE .

 

[georgina]

Haven't flown Delta overseas. Have had a few Delta issues with US travel. Have flown United overseas a couple of times, they were fine. Paid for the premium economy for more leg room. On the way to the UK last summer, we had a UK based crew who were fantastic, on the way home a US based crew, just OK.

 

[dvcgirl67]

If you're looking for non-stop, Delta flights are going to be out of JFK. DH and I fly United because Newark is our airport. I'd like to have other options, but United is usually the only viable option. I flew in a Polaris pod recently and can say they're quite nice.

 

[mousefan73]

Pick based on schedule and price and what airport you have to travel to. Product product/service they are all about the same.. you hear bad and good stories from all airlines.

 

[fly girl]

don't mind me ... just enjoy reading all the votes for Delta.

If I was unbiased, I would say go with the option that fits your schedule the best and has the best price point for anything other than coach. I have done coach to Rome, but even as a petite woman, I feel squeezed and constricted back there. It isn't horrible, but if you can swing it try to go up to Comfort Plus or Premium Select.

 

[jimmymc]

If price is similar, I would go for Delta. Better food and customer service.