Any reccommendations of airlines to use or to avoid. Any recommendations on us airports to use or avoid for european travel.
As always thanks for the input

Are you talking about the budget airlines within Europe or airlines from the US to Europe?

For budget airlines within Europe take a look at this link. www.whichbudget.com
Just remember they are strict about luggage weight and check-in times.

I found to Air Berlin to be very good. Fly them almost every year when I'm in Europe and they are very friendly and clean. Never had an issue with them. Their rates are almost most reasonable, but you will have to pay extra if you want to "reserve" a seat. Which at their rate is still reasonable.

I am referring to flying from the us to europe. Sorry for the confusion

Most European Airlines have tight seating in coach just like the U.S. airlines. The bottom line is price, and the amount of time it takes to get from point A to B. I have been happy with all of the foreign airlines I have used. British Airways, Virgin Airways, Swiss, Luftunsa, are all 4 Star airlines according to www.airlinequality.com Food and alcohol is free in coach.

Icelandair charges for all drinks except water, coffee and tea. The food is free. The KEF airport makes connections easy.

I would just avoid switching airports in London unless you are spending one or more nights there. Same goes for other cities in Europe. (Don't fly into Heathrow and continue on from Gatwick) Not worth the hastle.

Try to join their Frequent Flyer program if at all possible.