I am getting ready to purchase airfare in the 1020.00 to 1080.00 per person range. AA offers nonstop from DFW to Frankfurt as does Lufthansa. AA is on 777 and Lufthansa on Airbus 340-300. The returns require a connection (London for AA via British Airways 319 and Frankfurt for Lufthansa)

This will be our first European trip. Any advise on which airline (aircraft) will be the best?

anyone?

Do you happen to have one of those Entertainment Passbooks? (Lots of the local schools sell them as fundraisers. I think they sell them at CVS also.) They always have a 5% off American Airlines flights coupon. If you can save $100 or so, I'd choose American.

Hey Missy - that is a great idea..I have those...

Liberty--would you still go Lufthansa over AA even with the 777 versus the Airbus 340-300?

I've always heard that Lufthansa has great service. Regrettably, we won't have much time at all at Frankfurt (other than when we arrive) as our connection on the return would only allow one hour and 10 minutes.

Lufthansa!!!

Lufthansa.

Unless you're saving alot by going on American . . . . and even then, I'd still think twice before choosing AA over Lufthansa. And especially since you'd have to change planes in London (usually means going thru Heathrow) if you do opt for AA.

I live in metroplex area, and consequently, frequently find myself flying on AA and not happy about it.

I've flown Lufthansa several times and have thought it was perfectly satisfactory, though I don't recall specifics. My only concern would be that return connection. Frankfurt airport is huge.

Yes, the savings is rather minimal $120 total (unless we can actually use the passbook coupon referenced about, which would mean $220 savings).

I just thought the 777 might be a better ride--not a big fan of AA at all. But, unneccesary stop at Heathrow sorta scares me.

I've flown Lufthansa between DFW and Frankfurt and AA (on a 777) between DFW and London. There isn't that much difference between the two airlines. Take the one that offers the best price and schedule. I notice you mention a connection at Franfurt; with Lufthansa that probably means you are departing from some city on a 6 or 6:30 a.m. flight to make the connection in Frankfurt to the US. You will be up really early for that one. One tip: always make sertain you have the most current departure gate information. On my two trips with Lufthansa they seemed to change departure gates on a whim and without much, or any, notice.

Non-stop is always the best. Contact the airlines for seat width and seat pitch for comparisons. American used to have "More Room" but, that has changed and because of that one needs to consider others. I say that even though I have flown nearly two million miles on American and was Platinum, they are not the airline that they used to be. Employees are excellent but the top has changed.

You might want to take into account any future travels you might make and what airline you are more likely to use in the future..as in frequent flier miles.

I since I travel on AA for all my business travel, I also travel AA for my personal travel just to accumulate miles.

Just a thought!

We've taken LH (from IAH through both FRA and MUC) several times and have had good experiences and would certainly recommend them (except for the usual complaints about seats in economy - but true with any airline).

We've had very good service and attentive staff. Food actually decent with choices; generous with drinks - free beer, wine, cocktails before, during and afterdinner. Besides the 2 meals, brought around snacks twice. Major issue (to some) is no individual IFE - just drop-down screens. Sealed packet on each seat contained blanket, pillow and earphones.

B777 not a better ride than A340, IMO. [Have taken 777 on other airlines and don't think there's much difference].

FRA is large, but easy to navigate with good signage and shops, etc. I'd certainly prefer it over LHR.

THANKS SO MUCH to everyone kind enough to reply. I think I should go with Lufthansa this trip. The routing just seems to make more sense. As for FF miles, I'll just have to strongly consider the Star Alliance folks for any future long-distance flights.

I see two differences between the options.

LHR vs. FRA on return: While FRA is not necessary an easy airport to navigate around, LHR is my least favorite airport to change planes.

777 vs. 340: The 777 is configured 2-5-2 seating while 340 is configured 2-4-2 in the cattle class. On the flights I cannot choose my seats, I do not like the 777s. I have been assigned a seat in the middle of the 5 seat section.

If you look at www.seatguru.com, 777's have a more of what it considers poor seats compared to 340's.

If you are flying back to DFW, won't your connection be at LGW rather than LHR? I understand wanting to avoid Heathrow right now, but unless the DFW to London flight has changed airports with the opening of T5, you won't be going to Heathrow anyway.

twk - like many airlines, AA changed airports recently and the DFW flights now go to LHR. The Open Skies provision went into effect at the end of March and many airlines made wholesale changes from LGW to LHR.