Favorite Airline for International Travel?
 

I'll be flying into Europe in July 2003, I've never been overseas and I am interested in getting opinions on airlines (service, comfort, etc.). We're flying into Nice and leaving from Milan. Thanks!

Kelly,<BR><BR>Air travel is basically a commodity - especially in coach. What really counts IMO is taking the most direct route (unless you can upgrade to business class on miles).<BR><BR>The only airline which flies nonstop to both Nice and Milan is Delta, from NY. So if you live in NY that would be my clear first choice.<BR><BR>Otherwise, go for the best fare among the US or european majors. All of them can get you there and back with 1 connection.<BR><BR>Hope this helps,<BR>Andre

Oops!<BR><BR>Oops my last paragraph should have read:<BR><BR>Otherwise, go for the best fare among the US or European majors which can get you there and back with as few connections as possible. If you don't live in a city with transatlantic service, Delta via NY is still your best alternative, with 1 plane change in each direction.<BR><BR>Andre

Air Jamaica and Aeromexico are FAR, FAR better than any domestic carrier and worth extra $$.<BR>Hot Meals, Champagne and Red Strip in Coach on Air Jamaica.<BR>Aeromexico Free drinks and meals in coach.<BR>Nice new planes and Aeromexico has one of the best ON TIME Performance in the industry.

First and foremost, join a frequent flier program - preferably Air France Frequence Plus because all you have to do to remain active in the program is fly at least once every three years on Air France, Delta, Alitalia, Korean Air, Aeromexico, or CSA and your miles will never expire. Then, choose from any of these airlines I have listed to fly to Nice and Milan and earn miles while you pay. The miles add up for free trips! And finally, I personally would choose Air France. It's common knowledge that European carriers are much better than our domestic carriers. It's really hit or miss on our domestic. Most would say that Air France crews are somewhat arrogant or stand-offish, but they are very professional and efficient. Their meals are nice (in economy) and their aircraft are advanced. Also, they are one of the few European carriers posting a profit this year... so that must tell you something!

I agree with Michael. Failure to consider the frequent flyer miles on such a long haul is fine if you almost never fly, but it's a big mistake if you do. The FF miles are easily worth more than $100 in your decision from any U.S. point of origin and considerably more if you have a shot at obtaining or maintaining elite status. Put that into your equation as you examine your options; it's not EVERYTHING, but it's SOMETHING -- and it's the difference between thinking of one trip in isolation vs. considering your overall travel program.

topping

Personally, I prefer British Airways - the most comfy & roomy seats and excellent service!

Kelly:<BR><BR>I wholeheartedly recommend Austrian Airlines! IMO, they are the BEST airline in the world -- better than Singapore. You'll have to change planes in Vienna, but it's worth it.<BR><BR>If you like clean planes, friendly flight attendants, and good food, you'll love Austrian. Also, try to arrange a stopover in Vienna if you have the time . . . truly one of the nicest cities in Europe.

My favorite US airline to Europe is Continental. Especially if you can go BusinessFirst, which is nothing short of continuous transatlantic pampering. They fly mostly 777's to Europe, and even in coach they are tops. Not sure what kind of connections they offer to Nice, but it's worth a try.

I went on Air India. Although it was an exotic experience because the FA bowed to everyone walking in and wore Saris, the FAs were the most polite ones in the business. They also must have served us 2 or 3 Indian meals which was a neat experience, the food was good.<BR><BR>

The most important thing by far for me is getting a direct, non-stop flight. Less overall flight time if you don't have a connecting flight, no time wasted sitting in the airport, less chance of flight cancellations or delays, no chance of missing the connection because your first flight was late, and less chance of your luggage being lost or delayed. I would drive to an airport several hours outside of my immediate city in order to get a non-stop flight. Beyond that I think all the pluses and minuses of the different airlines even out.

Kelly,<BR><BR>My husband and I always fly first class on American to Europe. Service and comfort is by far the best in my opinion.<BR><BR>Enjoy!

What so wrong with Aeroflot?

Vladimir, although nobody in this thread has told there was anything wrong with Aeroflot, I would never fly it. Your safety record (in domestic flights) is one of the worst in the world. Let alone Aeroflot's attitude towards Lost Luggage complaints.

Yeah, & besides who wants to fly on some old, un airworthy junker of a commie sad-excuse-for-an-aircraft anyway?!

Actually, you guys, Aeroflot international has one of the NICEST fleets in the biz, and their safety record is enviable. I'd stil take the train from Moscwo to Kiev, but internationally Aeroflot is pretty darn good!