Thanks for all the info to chew on.

My main goal is twofold, actually: both mileage accrual AND IFE to keep my mind preoccupied with any other thought than how much flying in coach sucks. Comfort is definitely up there too, but I have yet to experience really any coach seat that I'd classify as comfy.

Sounds like Lufthansa is the best bet, all things considered.

http://www.airlinequality.com/StarRanking/4star.htm

Lufthansa has a 4 star rating and Delta has a 3 star rating.

Delta lost my childrens luggage on their trip to Brazil last year and it didn't show up for one week. Then they lost it on the return trip home. No thanks!!

"The problems usually arise when you throw in a connection, and that is where the distinction comes into play. And, at most hubs the baggage is usually handled by the airline"

I agree that the transit hub makes the difference but I am not so much convinced that airlines handle the luggage with own staff even at their hubs. Does DL do it ? Usually it is too expensive and subcontracted companies do that job. Lufthansa luggage is handled by Fraport (Frankfurt Airport).I have no numbers or statistics where it is evident that luggage in transit at JFK are better handled than transiting in FRA. It would be nice to check this source and the criteria used to come to that result.

In the meantime you may give a look at this link

http://www.allbusiness.com/transport...3579790-1.html

found also this link

http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/20...lity-rankings/

I based my comments about Delta's in-flight entertainment on the following information from jaunted.com:

"TV: Mostly mainscreen entertainment, but occasional flights have "Delta on Demand" with 18 satellite networks, HBO series, and 28 films. This seat-back system with a 7" display can be found on most domestic flights 4+ hours in length and always on main international routes."

All the Delta transcontinental flights and international flights I have taken in the past year had Delta on Demand entertainment systems.

The service quality on Delta domestic flights has declined significantly over the past decade, but my experience on their international flights has been excellent.

Delta's Atlanta hub has baggage handlers employed by the airline. Other then that I can't speak to thier baggage handling.

These are my experiences from my last five transatlantic flights:

Lufthansa Frankfurt - Denver and back: on time, no problem
Lufthansa Frankfurt - Atlanta and back: on time, no problem
Lufthansa Düsseldorf - Chicago and back: on time, no problem
United Frankfurt - San Francisco and back: on the first leg, an unexpected stop in Boston (due to a shortage of pilots), six hours delay, second leg on time, no problem
Lufthansa Düsseldorf - Newark and back: both flights 30 minutes earlier, no problem

For me, as a frequent traveller, reliability is the first criterion when choosing an airline. That is the reason why I always prefer Lufthansa, even if their rates are higher.

I find it refreshing for someone to mention reliability over price. Sometimes it seems price is the ONLY consideration and then people are very unhappy.

jubilada

you are right. I would add that airfares have dropped by more than 50% if compared to 20-25 years ago !! Nevertheless people are always asking for good service and quality but just only a few, like Echnaton, are willing to pay for it !

We flew Delta roundtrip from JFK to Nice in March. Both planes had the 2-4-2 seat configuration and overhead screens for entertainment, flight crew friendly, seats and meals standard. The main downside is the JFK Delta terminal which is pretty old and cramped.

>>>Nevertheless people are always asking for good service and quality but just only a few, like Echnaton, are willing to pay for it !<<<

Let's put things in perspective.

Last year, we flew FRA-SFO and had the choice between Lufthansa and United. Since we were flying business class, we chose United JUST BECAUSE their seats get 100% horizontal while Lufthansa's remain at a slight 10° angle. Big mistake. The result was a nightmare of a flight with a 6-hour delay.

Another time, we had booked FRA-LAX with United JUST BECAUSE it was $50 (!) cheaper than the Lufthansa flight. The flight was cancelled. Instead we were rerouted to Dallas, had to grab our bags, walk through immigration (it was hot as hell since A/C broke down) and catch our connecting flight to LAX. In total, 8 hours delay and a lost day, just because we saved $50.

Our worst deal was a flight with Delta. On our return flight with two small children and my disabled brother in his wheelchair in tow, Delta charged us $1000 for an overweight piece of baggage. All other airlines had accepted exactly this suitcase before.

These are experiences from which I have learnt to choose reliable airlines and not the cheapest ones. At the end of the day, the cheapest are often the most expensive ones.