I'll be flying from Paris to Helsinki Finland next month...on an AirFrance airbus A-319. Anyone ever flown on this aircraft? Here in the states I seem to do all my short-haul flying on Boeing 737's or MD-80 & 90's. <BR> <BR>Thanks!

I've flown TAP on Airbuses. Not sure what models, though. They seemed fine, though not especially comfortable (I don't generally find any type of plane comfortable, though). If you're concerned about safety issues, you can always check out www.aviation-safety.net or airsafe.com. Hope this helps a bit.

Dear Ray: <BR> <BR>The A-319 is the shorter version of the A-320, seating about 120. It would compare to the B737-500, as it is a single-aisle aircraft with 3 seats on each side of the aisle. <BR> <BR>Whether it's comfortable depends on the way the airline has its seats arranged. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your trip <BR> <BR>Phil.

Ray: I've flown the Airbus A319 quite a few times from Pittsburgh to Seattle and back. US Airways uses it frequently on this daily run. <BR> <BR>The US Airways version is comfortable and I prefer it to the Boeing 757 that shares the same route. Leg room is OK and the restrooms are conveniently located as well. The only downside are the small LCD displays used for video. Depending on your angle of view, they can be difficult to see. On the upside, this model is newer and offers comforts associated with new developments in aircraft. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Ray, we flew the Airbus (believe it was 319) on Air France from Paris to Toulouse (the corporate home of Airbus!) A friend recently flew from Chicago to San Diego on one and I will fly Chicago to San Jose next week. I think it's comparable to a 737 but it's certainly a newer plane. United seems to be starting to use them a lot. French friend of ours is executive with Airbus and says it's a very good company, certainly a rival to Boeing or MD. Happy travels.