Which airlines would you prefer?

[Kristina]

If your were flying to the States, and the price, date and times were the same who would you rather fly with, and why? I have only ever flown with Virgin, BA and Lufthansa and they were all pretty simular but now in my searches I'm getting mostly AA and Continental using smaller, perhaps older planes and I don't know who to choose. Although airports also play a roll so if you have any you'd rather avoid please advise there too, thank you!

 

[2Tiggies]

I would go with Continental. They get pretty good reviews, times are convenient for me and there are plenty options for connections on to MCO if your main flight is delayed for any reason - or if you arrive early and clear customs in time to make an earlier one.

I have never flown with them, but in searching for flights for next year, they have come out with the best price fairly consistently.

 

[Kristina]

2Tiggies I do actually have a Continental in mind that I think has pretty acceptable waits in between flights and the price is good too. I am traveling for Copenhagen to Los Angeles to visit friends and my beloved Disneyland ! The flight changes planes in Newark where I have also never been through although it can't be more confusing than Frankfurt, and I survived that! It's just that the planes are rather small, it seems odd for a long haul but I'm sure it'd be fine. Maybe even preferable!

BA would be nice because I'd love to shop in Heathrow, but with the looming strikes and the baggage nightmare a few years ago (feels like I'm forgetting something else) I am not sure.

 

[PJB71]

TBH I always just go one the price and baggage allowance (usually go for 3plus weeks over christmas so need that extra baggage)

We have flown direct and changed in the USA(which we have never found a problem), so I always just go with the better deal as there is usually 6 of us traveling so every penny saved is extra shopping money imo

 

[scottishgirl87]

I picked Continental as well. Have used them previously to travel to New York, this year to Orlando and using them again to New York next year. The best in-flight entertainment I've had on a flight!

Would also choose United as have flown with them to LA and Vegas with no problems.

Remember as well that Continental and United are mid-merger so they will most likely be the one brand in the not too distant future!

Don't have any experience of American Airlines and I just wouldn't want to risk flying with BA just now Although if the price was right it'd be a difficult decision to make!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Continental, no question about it!!!

For me it is about service, not about best price. Now, I have to add that I fly with 2 wheelchairs and some specific needs. I've had airlines scr*w up on that, big time. Continental on the other hand? Above, beyond and then some -a lot- more. I am loyal to them, period.

Older planes; take a look at the stats on the websites from the airlines. Old is very subjective. Smaller planes for CO? True, in some extend. They fly the 752, 762, 764 and 772 to Europe. I know for LHR it's the 752, as since this season they're guaranteeing the lieflat product in F, which are all 752's. Aren't totally in sinc with which type flies on which UK airport (are Dutch). Have flown their 762,764 and 772 and of course the 735, 738, 739 within the US. And honestly? Have no problems with that what so ever. Heck, I love the 762 for flying economy. It's got a very small seperate eco-cabin in the front. Lovely quiet cabin. On their 764; love their single seat in the middle in BusinessFirst, flying solo.

As far as connecting flights go; I'ld rather connect in IAH than EWR, especially later on in the day. EWR is known for it's delays and they get worse as the day gets by. You can easily need a 3 or 4 hour connection time at EWR to make your flight when hit with delays, customs etc. etc. Going through IAH is a bit out of the way, but I don't mind it that much on such a longer flight. IAH is a very efficient airport, home of CO after all. I've made connections of 40 minutes when also having to do customs. Most airports won't be able to transfer the wheelchair in such a short time (takes longer than baggage), it was below the recommanded time for that airport but we made it.

Such such a shame they're merging with UA. It's feared big time the service will go downhill because of that. Thankfully we won't notice much for now, but still.

 

[2Tiggies]

2Tiggies I do actually have a Continental in mind that I think has pretty acceptable waits in between flights and the price is good too. I am traveling for Copenhagen to Los Angeles to visit friends and my beloved Disneyland ! The flight changes planes in Newark where I have also never been through although it can't be more confusing than Frankfurt, and I survived that! It's just that the planes are rather small, it seems odd for a long haul but I'm sure it'd be fine. Maybe even preferable!

BA would be nice because I'd love to shop in Heathrow, but with the looming strikes and the baggage nightmare a few years ago (feels like I'm forgetting something else) I am not sure.

Connection times are always part of the decision. If you can navigate Frankfurt you should be fine

As for BA, I can't comment and be nice about it. I feel pretty similarly about Heathrow. Nothing bad about Heathrow, but just one of the ugliest airports .... and I don't like the layout.

 

[j9000]

Flown with Continental and American in the last few years,

Continental knock spots off american, better entertainment and food on the flight.

 

[torsie24]

Just to add an extra airline into the mix - we flew Delta last year and they were the best transatlantic I've ever done - by far!

After thaat my favourite is United, but that's because I've only ever flown with them with my parents and we got the awesome massage seats - when I'm paying it's economy most of the time, and Delta were awesome!

 

[Kristina]

Thank you all for your replies ! PJB71 I have to agree that every penny saved means more shopping! So true, and I love my shopping!

For everyone who recommended Continental that is a comfort as I had no idea what they would be like. Now I'd feel quite comfortable flying with them, if you all recommend them! American was by far the least expensive when I did my search using farecompare.com but most of the flights that I could have chosen have gone. Why do they even offer flights that have 3 connections and will keep you in the air for 30 odd hours, and it's even more expensive than the simple straight through most of the time.

I'm thinking a lot about Continental. Thank you for the information regarding IAH and EWR, goofieslonglostsis. It is important to know, isn't it. No fun getting stuck in delays when it can be avoided, if you have prior knowledge! I love that you feel Continental is great in regards to persons with mobilty issues or have special needs . My Mom has MS and it's always great when her flights go smoothly as air travel is hard enough on her already! Also regarding flying in a smaller plane, good to know that you feel it's no issue. Now I feel better about that too .

I am glad torsie24 that you enjoyed your flights on Delta. I only avoid them because I've heard they can call more than once even, and change your flight times around to suit them. Which would drive me crazy! However, if the price were right.. . Nah even then, I'd hate that. However that you had an otherwise good experience with them is good to know.

Now into the mix I've thrown Lufthansa! We have flown with them the past 2 years to WDW and the plane was nice and the service on time and good (except for one, horrible flight attendent, who had the worst attitude I'd ever seen, but what ever). They have been showing silly prices but now they've dropped down to normal and so..I'm thinking about them too. Will be purchasing my flights in the next few days.
Farecompare.com says today at 3pm eastern time is the time of week that the fares are lowest. I forget why though lol!

Thanks again everyone!

 

[wideeyes]

I am flying AA in a few weeks to NYC so I hope they are good.

 

[2Tiggies]

Now my brother really likes Lufthansa and has only had good things to say about them. As long as you don't mind connecting in Frankfurt .... No seriously, though their prices usually came out tops for him and he said the food was also not bad as airlines go.

 

[jockey]

I voted continental they are the best airline I have flown with for a long time, we also used BA last year and the service was just ok.