HariS

Thanks Michael .... my personal opinion is that Delta may not fair very well on the Mumbai route. Air India just started a non-stop direct to JFK. Jet Airways (one of the best airlines on the planet for service, IMO) just started service to Newark. Emirates is very good too, although stop over in DBX and pretty competitive fares and great value for money.

Personally, i won't be flying Delta

Hari

thit_cho

Hari, the problem with flying Air India or Jet Airways (which I also understand has an excellent reputation) is that neither is a member of a global air alliance, and I would not pay for such a long flight if I was not going to receive frequent flyer miles. For me, and a lot of my travel buddies, its much more important to get the miles than to look for fine distinctions in service. I fly very often and I have learned to entertain myself -- so long as the airline delivers prompt, SAFE, reliable service, I don't make my decision on equipment, in-flight entertainment, meals, etc.

I would fly Emirates on that route, but I strongly try to avoid connections on international routes, so when I return to India, I will fly Delta or one of the SkyTeam members.

For me, its all about earning miles (I just cashed in 50,000 for a trip next Summer into Azerbaijan and back from Armenia, which would have been around $1,500 -- not my best use of miles, but pretty good, and I am also visiting Easter Island next year with miles, although I have used all of my AA miles).

To me, the miles are by far the most important factor!!!!

sandi

Michael -

At least you're getting to use your miles as quickly as they're earned. Lucky you!

Most travelers take years to accumulate miles and trying to redeem them becomes a chore. Then there are those who have lots and lots of miles (in the millions) and just don't take the time to redeem them.

Fly away wherever and with whomever.

How long at Easter Island?

Grcxx3

Hey thit_cho - what are your plans for Azerbaijan??? Since it is not a major tourist stop!

We've been in Baku for over 2 years and enjoy it - the countryside is beautiful.....but it would not be on our "top 20" list of places to visit otherwise.

HariS

http://www.jetairways.com/Cultures/e...lege/Partners/

Jet airways - Partner airlines.

thit_cho

Grcxx3, I haven't really firmed up my itinerary to the Caucasus area, other than to book flight into Baku and out of Yerevan. I'll spend some time in Baku's old city, and also fly to Naxcivan for one day...then head to Tbilisi, and then overland to Yervan, and also visit Nagorno-Karabakh. Its a bit ambitious, but I have some good contacts who will help with overland arrangements.

Hari, thanks for that info re Jet Airways -- I would be very likely to fly them if I could earn miles on Delta, AA or United. Its nice to see they are teaming up with other airlines. I've heard very good things about their product.

HariS

Yes, Michael. I guarantee a great flight with them

Hari

PS: Air India stinks also like AA, United, Delta etc etc.,

thit_cho

Hari, I have only flown Air India within India, and at that time, they were the "only game in town." I understand that there are many more airlines and rates have been more competitive and there are a lot more routes.

HariS

Back in the day, it used to be Indian Airlines (also Govt run) for internal flights. Yep, lots of choices these days. Top choices Jet Airways, Kingfisher.

judyumcer

We are going to Cape Town in September 2008. Called Delta and wrote Delta. Both responses were they didn't know anythig about it. We have to book 331 days out to use FF miles and need to know if this route is going to be added.
Delta has been no help. Asked if we booked to Johannesburg and then they added Cape Town if we could change without additional payment. They knew that answer; NO

JamesA

Those flights will be popular, wonder if any airline has plans for Nairobi non-stop

sandi

JamesA -

There's been talk about a non-stop from the States to NBO for some years, but being Africa, it takes awhile for decisions. Then, next question - from what gateway?

Patty

CPT schedule has been loaded on delta.com. Outbound is on Tu/Th/Su and return Mo/We/Fr.

DL128 JFK-DKR 3:50pm-4:05am+1
DL228 DKR-CPT 5:40am-3:55pm

DL239 CPT-DKR 5:55pm-12:35am+1
DL219 DKR-JFK 2:05am-6:15am

CPT is operating on days that NBO does not operate.

judyumcer,
I'd check over the next few days to see if award inventory to CPT is loaded.

JamesA

ttt for who was asking about fares