Yaar

We are trying to decide on flights from CA to Barcelona - anyone has experience with US Air, Continental or Northwest/KLM?

cruiseluv

I have flown Continental from Newark to Barcelona. Do you have any specific questions?

rkkwan

I am a big fan of Continental, but they use the narrowbody 757-200 for EWR-BCN. That's one of the longest flight currently in the world with a narrowbody, and there's right now no personal video screen in coach. Seatpitch is also a relatively tight 31".

If you're flying coach, I'll look for alternatives.

cruiseluv

rkkwan,

You are absolutely right. I had forgotten about that. It was very uncomfortable and the plane was packed!

Unfortunately, Continental is also using that kind of plane for my Newark to CDG flight in November. I am not relishing the thought, but have no choice as I'm going with FF tickets and the bulk of my miles are with Continental.

rkkwan

cruiseluv - CO has three EWR-CDG flights daily. The first one, 56 is always a 777. Second one, 138, is always a 757. The late flight, 54 switches between a 757 and 767. On your day of travel, you may want to try standby or do the "confirmed standby" for $25 on the other flights.

Also, have you had them checked for awards on Air France?

cruiseluv

rkkwan,

Thnaks for your comments.

I wished I had "talked" to you prior! LOL! I could kick myself, I never thought of checking the AF awards! I knew we couldn't take the earlier flight of Continental due to time issues but I just checked and AF has an 8:15 PM that would work , if available. Certainly, an Airbus 330 looks more comfortable.

Maybe I'll see if I can switch.

Thanks again!

smartcookie

I've flown both Northwest and KLM. If the places are Northwest, I would NOT recommend them. They're old and dingy and the service is crappy. KLM is pretty nice.

smartcookie

oops, i meant "planes" not "places"

rkkwan

Apart from a few routes with 757, most NW flights to Europe are on their brand-new A330s. Very nice with AVOD in all seats. Better than on some KL planes.

smartcookie

I guess they improved in the last 2 years? I flew to France through Amsterdam in 2005 on a NWA plane and it was awful.

Yaar

Thanks everyone on the recommendations. Very helpful.

I realized that there are other airlines we can take - does anyone have a great airline they recommend for flight to Spain?

smartcookie

it'd be easier if you provide the options you have and what planes they're using.

Tim_and_Liz

We flew to Barcelona through Amsterdam on NW, then KLM, and had fantastic service on the NW A330. We will not fly to Europe on any other service. It's great!