Cassandra

I am in the process of planning a trip to Europe (Amsterdam). Basically, there is no difference in price and/or flight times on the major airlines such as Delta, United, Continental, and British Airways. So, I was wondering if there is a difference between the airlines in cabin comfort and/or service? If you could choose any airline to fly coach to Europe on, what airline would it be?

merriem

Coach is coach.....but we flew Delta to Frankfurt, and I thought they made more of an effort to "take care" of the passenger than they did on United when we flew to Australia. Also, took KLM to Amsterdam, and it was so-so.

Bill

We are also planning a trip to Amsterdam this summer. We've been there 4 times so far (my wife is Dutch), and no other airline has been as comfortable and relaxing as British Airways. They fly a 777 out of Philadelphia, and that plane is awesome. I've never travelled first class, but the coach seats seem to have a little bit of first class built into them. So the short answer is we'll try and fly BA.....I just hope we can get some cheaper fares....$860pp seems to be the norm so far....we've never paid that much! <BR> <BR>Bill

Caitlin

One issue that might help you choose is that some foreign carriers still offer amenities in coach that US carriers make you pay for. I've flown coach on Air France to Europe very recently (and they do service Amsterdam direct,at least from NY), and they handed out eyemasks and audio connection for movies to everyone, free newspapers, and also served wine and liquor with no charge. Flight attendants came around offering refreshment much more often than on US carriers, and were happy to hand you two cans of soda if asked. Service was very solicitous; comfort was standard cramped coach on a 747.

maria

I'm a frequent Europe traveler and have flown pretty much most major US airlines. In my opinion, by far the best service to Europe is provided by Delta. Alternatively, you could also one of Delta's partners, Singapore Airlines, that takes the Atlantic route to Asia. SIA is probably one of the best airlines in the world.

Maggie

We flew British Airways last year on our trip to London, on a 777 and it was one of the most enjoyable trips I've had on a plane in a long time. The flight attendents were very polite and attentive (one kept asking me if I needed any tea since he perceived I had a cold). There were blankets and slippers individually wrapped on each coach seat and little personal television sets on the back of each seat. <BR> <BR>We are flying BA again and I am truly looking forward to it. I've booked a flight on another 777 and I hope my experience this year will be as pleasant as it was last year.

Diane

I'd first try to book on US Airways because they are my most used frequent flyer airlines. When we flew to Paris in 1998, however, we flew Air France, which was a delight just for the food!

Anna

I would only fly BA in Club / First - in economy, I fly Virgin (in fact, Virgin's Upper Class is pretty impressive too).

Scooter

The 777 has the most room in coach bar none...it is a fact...u can ask Boeing. <BR>I like continental myself for my 2 cents worth

Kathy

Virgin Atlantic is the best, by far. I've flown on Virgin, United, and KLM to Europe and Virgin in my favorite. Virgin offers quite an entertainment system during these long flights. Moreover, the food is quite good. They provide each passenger w/ an amenity bag which has those necessities like eye masks, ear plugs, socks, toothbrush and paste, and even a comb. The Virgin fare is even less than the other airlines flying the same route. <BR> <BR>United was the worst long-distance non-stop flight I've ever had. And we flew on a brand new 777. There was very cramped seating. There were no amenities , like eye masks or ear plugs, for coach passengers. Moreover, our flight had to make an emergency landing because of an oxygen leak. United's flight attendants are not too accomodating or informative during these flights.

Mary

I flew British Air to Paris last year with a stop-over in London. The service both ways was delightful, the cabin staff polite and friendly and the food was rather good for coach fare. On the return flight, we were delayed from Paris into Gatwick and BA held the flight for us (six people) and ushered us right out onto the jetway and onto the plane. Can you imagine an Ameican airline doing the same? Also, BA has really great vacation packages, expecially if you travel off-season.

karen

I hear that Virgin is outstanding but I haven't had the chance to fly them yet. <BR> <BR>My picks are, in no particular order: Delta, Air France, Alitalia and British Airways. <BR> <BR>Good food, good service, peaceful travels on all those airlines. <BR> <BR>The worst: American -- they don't even give you footies. <BR> <BR>

Kneecaps

Scooter, the amount of knee space doesn't depend on the kind of plane but on how the airline that orders it from Boeing (or Airbus or whomever) tells the manufacturer to configure the seating - that is, how many passengers to cram into the space! Sometimes even the same carrier will tell the plane maker to configure planes for domestic use differently from those for overseas flights (usually more cramped for longer flights, which makes NO SENSE to me at all!). <BR> <BR>Thus, a 777 isn't the same with United as it is with another carrier -- I've heard that coach on American's 777s are as bad as on the other transatlantic equipment.

AAsucks

I used to work for AA and only flew on them so I didn't realize how bad they were. Recently I took both an AA flight and a Delta flight between the US and Europe. Delta was fine. AA sucked! The flight attendants were crabby b*tches. One refused to let me use the bathroom between coach and business, saying that it was reserved for business. Oh please! That's bad enough, but she didn't care that food carts were blocking the aisles and I couldn't get to the toilets at the back of the plane which she was directing me to. They were stingy with drinks (not giving whole cans), the blankets were cheap and worn and there were no little extras that make it nice. And the flight attendants were bitter and nasty. I definitely got the feeling they hated their jobs. I fly Delta now.

anon

I've heard Virgin economy class is much much better than all the other airlines for transatlantic trips, but haven't experienced it firsthand. <BR> <BR>I felt compelled to respond to this post because of the number of people who have praised Delta's service to Europe. I have only flown Delta to Europe twice (once to Shannon and once to Zurich) but both times it was horrible. Delta is my favorite airline domestically, but I think their overseas service is terrible. Really uncomfortable trips both times. <BR> <BR>I really think the best thing to do is go with a foreign carrier if possible. They seem to be a little better in most respects. Otherwise just grin and bear it -- flights to Europe aren't really that long. <BR> <BR>Have a good trip.

Triple T

Kneecaps makes an interesting point about equipment which I didn't realize - thanks for that! <BR> <BR>I usually fly Continental because they have the best flight TIMES out of Newark - but not necessarily the best service. BUT our Newark / Paris flight on Continental's 777 last October was SUBLIME. The very best flight I have taken in several years! I think it depends on WHO Continental is competing with on a given route (i.e. they still fly miserable equipment to Ireland). <BR> <BR>Additionally, I'm a HUGE fan of Virgin Atlantic. It's always a pleasure to fly with them. They offered amenities like eye masks, foot socks, personal screens and quality stereo headsets on their Newark / London route YEARS before the other airlines. <BR> <BR>So, if Continental isn't sending a 777, I would opt for Virgin. <BR> <BR>BTW - I flew Delta overseas ONCE. The rudest flight attendants I've ever met. I haven't used Delta since. You know what DELTA stands for (Don't Even Leave The Airport)!

lily

Very interesting about Delta, as I have flown them to England twice in the past year. I had very nice attendants, good service. I didn't enjoy flying out of JFK, but other than that, I was quite satisfied.

tina

ok I'm not sure if this is even an option for you, but...Japanese Airlines (JAL) have very comfortable planes and lovely hostesses- very obliging.

ilisa

If you don't mind a stop in Reykjavik, then try Icelandair. Besides the fact that they often have some of the best prices, their service is excellent.

paula

We flew with British Air on their 777 the last two times out to London. You couldn't ask for a more comfortable experience ( well, maybe first class!!) The seats and aisles were roomy, they had the adjustable headrests and individual TV screens.......and then some! I wouldn't hesistate to fly British Airways agan!