Flying Continental

[GirlDreamer]

What is it like flying with Continental Airlines? It's my first time flying with them, so don't know what to expect.

I read something in a thread about how they don't serve free food anymore, is that true? Or is it just so for the shorter domestic flights within the US?

And how is the movies onboard? Is it screens on the back of each seat or is it one of those that is in the ceiling so everyone has to watch the same stuff?

Also when I've done transatlantic flights from Norway to US we got as much free cokes as we wanted, is it the same on Continental or do you have to pay?

 

[peimikes]

We flew Continental Airlines a few months ago Halifax, Nova Scotia to Orlando. The only issues we had were after booking about 6 months out they changed the flight schedules about 8 times when we arrived at the airport to leave they had a hard time figuring out where we were supposed to be. Every time they change the flight number their system put us on a new flight number and kept the old flight attached to our confirmation number some at the Continental counter they didn't know which one we were on and this took about 30mins extra for the attendants to figure out. Then they had myself my wife and our 4 year old daughter in totally different areas of the plane, they put us in the same row once I explained most people wouldn't like sitting next to 4 year old they did know. There was a can of non alcoholic beverage supplied on the flight for free and snacks could be purchased at about double the cost. Of the 4 planes we were on that trip only 1 had inflight movies. All flights were on time though.

 

[GarryK]

Flew Continental from Edinburgh to Orlando via Newark in July 2010. Can't beat flying from your local airport rather than having to go to London or Manchester.

Service included a meal and a snack - and there was also a snack on the subsequent domestic flight to MCO. Entertainment was via seat-back TVs and I think it was on demand rather than a loop (although don't quote me on this).

Drinks were complimentary as well.

In brief, would have no hesitation flying Continental again.

Garry

 

[GirlDreamer]

Hmm, okay. Is there a way to check the status of the flight if it keeps changing then? And did the time change a lot? I booked the whole package through Disney, so I don't have a separate confirmation nr for the flight...

 

[MAIELIN]

Continental are fine. Not all flights offer meals. We have breakfast on the Heathrow to Newark legs but no meals back from Dulles to Heathrow. We booked independently and for less than £1500 for 4 adults, I'll happily skip a meal.

Bristol to MCO via Newark did offer meals on all legs in 2010 (they stopped that route sadly!).

TV's were in seat backs and on demand as far as I remember.

Enjoy

 

[GirlDreamer]

Okay, I'm flying Birmingham - Newark - Orlando if that makes a difference. I'm probably going to buy an ipad and bring my own entertainment anyway

 

[merlin307]

Continental are fine. Service is on a par with BA in my experience, although since the merger with United the standard if food on the return to the uk has dipped a bit.

Never had an issue with checki in, baggage etc.

Seat back tv's with on demand for the transatlantic legs but on any US domestic leg thy have the tv's but have started charging for this ( about £7 ) for the programming.

Overall they are my preferred airline because they fly from edinburgh to the us daily and i've never had an issue and been flying with them for 7 years at least.

Hope this helps but if you've any questions give me a shout.

 

[Molyneuxd]

Used Continental a few times in the past, nice airlines. Long haul have seat back entertainment, free drinks, and personally some of the best airline food I've had has been on Continental.

Only downside is they are always connecting flights rather than direct, but usually works out cheaper.

Would use them again without a doubt, better than US Airways.

 

[General Panic]

Been Coninental 10+ times now from Edinburgh and no problems at all so far *touch wood*.

Just recently upgraded their Edinburgh flights inflight entertainment system and it's great. Loads of movies and tv on demand so no missing the start of a movie

Transatlantic you get fed , domestic onward connection i think we got a sandwich and drink last time but nothing fancy.

Really like Newark airport though having to go back through security after you arrive is a bit of a pain but you only have to do this on the outward flight on the retun your on the right side of security usually (unless you have a termianl change) so nice and easy there.

 

[GirlDreamer]

That sounds great Another question: My layover at Newark is 1h 40mins, would that give me enough time to through customs and all and get a bite to eat before the next flight? From experience, the food served on the plane isn't very good or too filling. I also want to use som $ so I can get enough change to pay the toll when driving from the airport.

 

[Molyneuxd]

As long as your flight arrives on time 1hr 40mins should be more than enough to go through security, toilet and food visit then head for connection.

One flight we had was similar expected to be a mad rush but was ok sat at the gate waiting after a dash across the airport.

 

[General Panic]

That sounds great Another question: My layover at Newark is 1h 40mins, would that give me enough time to through customs and all and get a bite to eat before the next flight? From experience, the food served on the plane isn't very good or too filling. I also want to use som $ so I can get enough change to pay the toll when driving from the airport.

Are your flight numbers the CO27 onto the CO37? If they are i believe your arriving at terminal B and need to get to Terminal C. TBH an hour and 40 ins't that long to get through immigration , then customs , drop your bags off , possibly change terminal via the monorail and go back through security again.
Time for food? , i'm thinking not myself.

 

[disneyholic family]

Would use them again without a doubt, better than US Airways.

unless you're traveling business....US Airways (out of heathrow) has a much nicer business class right now...the others might upgrade, but the US Airways business class has suite seats - really very nice...
continental only has the flatbed seats....not bad, but nothing like the suite seats...
and the US airways is in the reverse herringbone - really nice...everyone facing away from the aisle....
other than that, i could never recommend US Airways (after all, they can never get away from their origins - Allegheny airlines )....except for the business class seat..

 

[GirlDreamer]

Are your flight numbers the CO27 onto the CO37? If they are i believe your arriving at terminal B and need to get to Terminal C. TBH an hour and 40 ins't that long to get through immigration , then customs , drop your bags off , possibly change terminal via the monorail and go back through security again.
Time for food? , i'm thinking not myself.

Yeah that's the one. Doesn't nesseserily have to be a sit down meal. But like Subway or McDonalds to go would be alright too.

 

[General Panic]

Yeah that's the one. Doesn't nesseserily have to be a sit down meal. But like Subway or McDonalds to go would be alright too.

Theres a nice food court area at the bottom of terminal C who do a very nice pizza and from memory thats the area where the Orlando flights usually gate from.

You'll just have to have your Nike's on and not sight see much on the way there