Continental or American to Paris?
Jul 5th, 2006, 05:58 PM
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Continental or American to Paris?
Hi, I'm looking at flights from KC to Paris in September, price about the same. Continental and American seem to be offering the lowest prices. Any preference to one of these airlines? We'll be flying coach. Either airline more comfortable? Thanks, annieladd
Jul 5th, 2006, 06:12 PM
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Depends on the aircraft. For long trips I avoid 757's like the plague, whether across the continent or across the pond. CO uses some 757s from Newark to Europe, while I think AA only uses 767 & 777s.
If the CO flight is on a larger plane then I'd say it's a wash and pick whichever has the best connection or price.
If the CO flight is on a larger plane then I'd say it's a wash and pick whichever has the best connection or price.
Jul 5th, 2006, 06:53 PM
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We are also going from KC to Paris in September. We asked a similar question about the airline choices several months ago and Continental came highly recommended for international travel. You'll have to take a small plane to Houston or New Jersey to connect to Paris but that was the only real negative comment from what I can recall.
Jul 5th, 2006, 09:12 PM
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CO has three flights into CDG. CO10 from IAH is a 777-200. CO56 from EWR is also a 777-200, while the late flight CO54 can be either a 767-200 or a 757-200.
The 777s are okay, with individual screens (when they work), and pretty tight 31" pitch. The 757 is pretty uncomfortable and no individual screens. However, the CO's 767-200 is one of the nicest aircrafts in coach on any airline you can use across the Atlantic.
In short, 767-200 is best. 777 is okay. Avoid the 757. From MCI to EWR, there are three ERJ flights and one 737. I think with a flight time of about 2.5 hours, even the ERJ is tolerable. MCI-IAH is 7 ERJs and 2 737s for the 1.5 hour flight.
I seriously don't think either airline is significantly better than the other one. If price is the same, then I'd look at the schedule. And FF miles if you do fly a bit.
The 777s are okay, with individual screens (when they work), and pretty tight 31" pitch. The 757 is pretty uncomfortable and no individual screens. However, the CO's 767-200 is one of the nicest aircrafts in coach on any airline you can use across the Atlantic.
In short, 767-200 is best. 777 is okay. Avoid the 757. From MCI to EWR, there are three ERJ flights and one 737. I think with a flight time of about 2.5 hours, even the ERJ is tolerable. MCI-IAH is 7 ERJs and 2 737s for the 1.5 hour flight.
I seriously don't think either airline is significantly better than the other one. If price is the same, then I'd look at the schedule. And FF miles if you do fly a bit.
Jul 5th, 2006, 10:16 PM
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I would avoid them both as they both charge for alcohol and even wine with dinner. However, American is the leader in cutbacks in coach. I would go with Continental. However, if Continental is using a 757 aircraft, avoid it. Try to fly on a 777 aircraft.
Virgin and British Airways have the best entertainment packages on Atlantic ocean flights. And free alcohol.
Virgin and British Airways have the best entertainment packages on Atlantic ocean flights. And free alcohol.
Jul 6th, 2006, 04:37 AM
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The above posts summarize the situation well. CO usually uses their 757s on secondary/smaller markets to Europe from EWR but will sometimes put one on "major" route - avoid them on any route. In coach I'd also put 767s first, then 777s. Everything else being equal or close, I'd opt for CO.
Jul 6th, 2006, 06:11 AM
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Agree on the British Air comment, however, I will only fly into CDG on an airline that will dock at the Air France terminals. I have experienced my last incredible delay with baggage and lines, funky ripped up seats and lousy food service at the old terminal that serves most American airlines.
Jul 15th, 2006, 11:53 AM
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American and Continental both arrive at CDG, Terminal 2 (the 'good' one).
US Air and United land at CDG, Terminal 1 (the 'bad'/ugly one).
I don't remember about Delta, but I think it's also at T-2.
US Air and United land at CDG, Terminal 1 (the 'bad'/ugly one).
I don't remember about Delta, but I think it's also at T-2.
Jul 15th, 2006, 12:08 PM
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NW's A330 are really nice. Better audio/video system, and usually slightly better legroom than CO's. And most people like 2-4-2 seating on Airbuses more than CO's 3-3-3 on their 777.
As for EWR-LHR, are you talking about Virgin Atlantic (which flies both 340 and 747 on this route)? In general, I find most airline's 747 less comfortable than an Airbus or a 777, as the seats are slightly narrower, more chances of a middle seat (3-4-3 seating), and often the seats are older.
As for EWR-LHR, are you talking about Virgin Atlantic (which flies both 340 and 747 on this route)? In general, I find most airline's 747 less comfortable than an Airbus or a 777, as the seats are slightly narrower, more chances of a middle seat (3-4-3 seating), and often the seats are older.
Jul 15th, 2006, 06:02 PM
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Per jbjayhawk...there are direct flights from Houston to Paris? We're in Louisiana and going in June 2007 and I assumed we would more than likely have to fly from new Orleans to NY to Paris, but I really haven't studied up on it. If we could drive to Houston and go straight across to Paris, that might be worth a look-see.
Jul 15th, 2006, 06:56 PM
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Just fyi, I have posted another question, titled "help me choose most comfortable flight to Paris", maybe not the best title.
At any rate, I wanted to start a new thread, that didn't just limit the question to CO or AA.
If you have any thoughts, let me know. Thanks, and sorry in advance for too many threads. annieladd
At any rate, I wanted to start a new thread, that didn't just limit the question to CO or AA.
If you have any thoughts, let me know. Thanks, and sorry in advance for too many threads. annieladd
Jul 15th, 2006, 07:07 PM
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I have flown with Continental various times and was always pleased with it despite that I was in cattle class.
The Houston/Paris route is very convenient for me because I lives in SAT.
For my trip to Rome next month I will be flying with AA and I will be able to use my FFMiles for a nice comfortable Business Class seat.
I have an open jaw ticket and I will return to the US via Paris.
The Houston/Paris route is very convenient for me because I lives in SAT.
For my trip to Rome next month I will be flying with AA and I will be able to use my FFMiles for a nice comfortable Business Class seat.
I have an open jaw ticket and I will return to the US via Paris.
Jul 16th, 2006, 06:46 AM
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Just in case it is still on the table . . . a word about AA's non-stop from DFW to CDG on a 767 . . . One of the most uncomfortable planes in the industry. Hard seats, too close together, no individual screens, terrible entertainment. (On my last flight, they showed the same stupid movie both ways, two times!) Even Business Class is uncomfortable. To be avoided.
Jul 16th, 2006, 07:07 AM
#20
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Yes, I'm still trying to decide.
CO- I don't think so, I'd rather have 2 seats across rather than 3.
AA- No individual video, not important to me, but DH likes them.
NW- I like this one best, for 2 across, video, and times, but what about their precarious financial condition???
(I did start another thread because of the original title, and the fact that I was adding additional airlines for consideration, sorry, didn't mean to add to the confusion).
Take the NW???
CO- I don't think so, I'd rather have 2 seats across rather than 3.
AA- No individual video, not important to me, but DH likes them.
NW- I like this one best, for 2 across, video, and times, but what about their precarious financial condition???
(I did start another thread because of the original title, and the fact that I was adding additional airlines for consideration, sorry, didn't mean to add to the confusion).
Take the NW???
