Europe Flights

[PatsGirl]

Hi I'm still working on my 50th birthday trip which has gone from a European trip to a Mexico cruise and Napa trip and back to a European cruise (Venice-Barcelona).

I'm looking at flights this morning and am finding many for under $1000 but I'm just not sure WHO to fly. For those of you who have flown to Europe, what were your experiences? The cheapest flight is by Iberia Airlines which I've never heard of. Other options include Alitalia, Lufthansa, British Air, Air France, and the old American standbys: American, Delta, and United. BTW, we will most likely choose an overnight flight going...

Pros and cons? TIA. Brenda

 

[NewDCLGuy]

Especially in economy class, there isn't that much difference between the airlines. The only one that stands out in your list is Iberia. I've never flown them, but they seem to generate a noticeable number of bad reviews. I'd still fly them if they were significantly cheaper, or offered a much better itinerary, but all things being close to equal I'd choose one of the others.

While there aren't huge differences in airlines, there can be big difference in flights. Non-stops are much preferred to connecting. And better flight times are important to me.

The next thing to look at is the plane itself. Wide-bodies (i.e. those with two aisles) are better than smaller jets. Within wide-bodies, there are many different configurations. When flying with just my wife, we like planes that are set up 2-4-2 rather than 3-3-3, so we can get two seats to ourselves.

Finally, look at the entertainment options. Most international flights will give you your own screen. Older entertainment systems will just show a few movies at preset times. The newer ones have a ton of movies (and tv shows and games even) that run "on demand."

 

[PatsGirl]

Thanks, I'll take a look at the configurations on the plane. I think being an overnight flight we would also prefer two seats rather than three so I can rest assured that I'm not laying on someone else's shoulder

 

[MouseMomx2]

They're not on your list, but I'd highly recommend Swiss Air. They allow 2 checked bags to/from the US while most carriers only allow one. We got a great rate with them and had a fantastic experience.

 

[Floridagal23]

We flew business class on delta (maybe business elite? whatever their higher class seat category is) on amex miles last summer for a european cruise, round trip to/from barcelona and jfk. We chose delta because we were able to get a better flight time for us. The other "contender" because of routing was iberia from miami, but we flew from ft laud to jfk to meet another family we were traveling with.

It was great, the food in economy honestly sounded yummy - it was some kind of pasta or a honey glazed chicken - and our cruise line checked our bags at the port on the way back with delta, we had a private bus to the airport and we didn't see our bags til we got to customs in atlanta. Definitely would recommend delta to/from barcelona.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I've flown to Europe many times. European airlines are by and large preferable to any American airline. Given the choice I'd choose Lufthansa first, and then any European airline, then Delta, then whatever American flight was going my way if it was significantly cheaper. I also have had good experiences with Swiss Air that was mentioned by a pp.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I've flown to Europe many times. European airlines are by and large preferable to any American airline. Given the choice I'd choose Lufthansa first, and then any European airline, then Delta, then whatever American flight was going my way if it was significantly cheaper. I also have had good experiences with Swiss Air that was mentioned by a pp.

yes to all of this (including having had a good experience with Swiss Air). Lufthansa is my first choice pretty much all of the time.

 

[plutotek]

We've flown American 2x to Europe, and found the planes to have a bit more legroom in coach than they did on domestic flights. Also, remember that a lot of the flights that say, for example, Lufthansa, may actually be a contracted flight w/United.

 

[NHdisneylover]

We've flown American 2x to Europe, and found the planes to have a bit more legroom in coach than they did on domestic flights. Also, remember that a lot of the flights that say, for example, Lufthansa, may actually be a contracted flight w/United.

Good point I am glad someone thought to mention it. I only lean towards Lufthansa if the flight it self will be operated by them. It is easy to check that out online before you book.

 

[sjaakie]

I would look into Air Berlin flights.

 

[LuvOrlando]

They're not on your list, but I'd highly recommend Swiss Air. They allow 2 checked bags to/from the US while most carriers only allow one. We got A great rate with them and has a fantastic experience.

My DH and his colleagues prefer this Airline above all the others, so much so that they travel at less convenient times just so they can go with Swiss Air and it's on the company dime so price isn't a factor. Supposedly it's more luxurious than the others. FYI, check out the Seatguru website, it shows you the configuration of all the planes by airline and rates each individual seat for pros and cons, it's fantastic!

 

[Aristomommy]

I have flown most of the options you mention and here is how we choose:

1. European airline is usually better than any of the American options when considering service, food etc.
2. Type of airplane: I like Airbus 330 over 747 (personal preference). Last flight I took was a 747 with northwest and I thought it was falling apart one screw at a time. Very unpleasant takeoff.
3. Schedule. I prefer 4 hour layover at a major hub like Frankfurt or Amsterdam so that luggage has plenty of time to make it to next flight and I like spending some time in the shops instead of running through an airport.

This year we will drive to NYC and fly out of there so we will have only one flight.