Opinions on American and Continental?

[Luv2Diz]

I prefer SWA but they don't fly from Portland to Memphis. So, our choices are Delta, American or Continental. I've flown Delta a fair bit and found their service and on-time arrival to be good, but hate that they change their flight schedule about 3 times from the time we book to the time we fly.

Does anyone have opinions on American or Continental? Do they change their flight schedule as much as Delta? Any other experiences to share about either airline?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Periodically, almost EVERY airline gets attacked here for changing flight times/schedules (and absolutely ruining someone's vacation, surprise, even life ). Yes, the legacy carriers do change flights. It happens when they release schedules almost a year in advance.

It has to. Things change - recessions happen, runways need to be built, fees go up, sometimes depending on the time of day... The only way to almost ensure no flight changes is to book close to departure.

 

[YenSid1222]

Periodically, almost EVERY airline gets attacked here for changing flight times/schedules (and absolutely ruining someone's vacation, surprise, even life ). Yes, the legacy carriers do change flights. It happens when they release schedules almost a year in advance.

It has to. Things change - recessions happen, runways need to be built, fees go up, sometimes depending on the time of day... The only way to almost ensure no flight changes is to book close to departure.

Here here. Schedule changes happen but I have never thought it was the end of the world. I just go with the flow...makes for a much less stressful trip!

 

[RSGroup]

I fly a lot, and although there is not a ton of real difference between airlines, I would rank Continental as the best - I have consistently had great service with them.

If you fly American through their Dallas hub, I can almost guarantee you that the gate they originally assign you to is NOT the gate you will depart from. I cannot tell you have many gate changes I have had with them - which can be a hassle in a big airport like DFW.

For what it's worth, my experience is that Continental is consistently the best, USAirways is consistently the worst, and everybody else falls in between.

 

[NJRRK]

Of your three choices, i'd choose Continental. Have had issues with Delta, but AA I've heard stories, but the few times I've used them has been ok, except as PP said they did change my gate in Dallas, twice! in an hour!
Since we're only 25 min from CO's hub (EWR) they usually have the best prices for us, even with the baggage charge.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew Continental last month, I liked them. Besides price, I would look at how many flight choices each has. The more choices, the less likely there will be a drastic flight change. If there are only 1 or 2 flights per day, then it can get difficult.

 

[LoveKermit]

We are AA faithful, though we live in a hub. The biggest schedule change I think we've had after reserving is about 30 minutes to an hour. Nothing to upset the trip.

I, too, would go with who offers the most flights (and better yet, nonstop). Then, if there's weather or something, you still have a chance of getting out on your original day.

 

[YenSid1222]

Dallas is probably the easiest large airport to get around, so a gate change doesn't phase me. You just hop on SkyLink and you are there in minutes. Incidently, SkyLink is also great entertainment for young ones if you have a bit of a layover. It takes 20 minutes to do a full circle and if you board the trains running on the airplane side you get GREAT views.

You also have some great restaurants in Terminal D, and unlike many airports it is all easy to access from inside of security.

 

[YenSid1222]

Oh, another point. Although Continental has consistantly been one of the best airlines for many years...with the coming merger with United, all bets are off.

 

[lilwhiterabbit]

Odd. I flew Continental a few months ago and it was literally the worst service I've had on any airline, ever. It was the first time I flew Continental and will also be the last. I was so incensed about the poor service, I even wrote a letter to corporate--which has, of course, been ignored. You couldn't even pay me to fly with them again.

I've flown AA and not really had any problems with them, though their service was nothing special.

I generally fly Delta if I can manage it. I've always had excellent service from them and have always enjoyed my flights. I will mention I live in Atlanta, however, which is Delta's main hub, so they're going to make sure they're all about quality if you're flying out of their hometown!

 

[beachbunny]

lilwhiterabbit: What specifically was so bad with your Continental flight that you had to write a complaint? Also, from where and to where did you fly? I'm very curious.

OP: My preference is Continental hands down. Newer planes, decent free food, easy to reach (not a lot of waiting) elite desk, free upgrades, etc. I not a fan of the old equipment AA flies. I can't stand United - I left them for Continental years ago. So I too am afraid of the pending merger.