Anyone flown on Continental overseas?
 

We are headed to France in September and Continental presently has the best fares. This is our first overseas flight and I get pretty bored & restless after 3 hours on a plane. Anyone know how good the Continental experience is? Any good airline recommendations coming out of KC? Thanks!

I'm curious too. I don't recall ever flying Continental but I just found RT flights that are almost $300 cheaper per person going from LAX to Cologne (instead of my original plan to fly into Frankfurt/out of Munich). But since we have six people going, it's quite a savings! Just have to do a little adjustment to the itinery now....

I'm flying Continental on March 23rd. Non-stop from Newark to Amsterdam. I've flown Continental from LA to NY a few times and prefer them to other airlines. I like the head rests. They have these wing things that you can bend forward so your head doesn't fall sideways when you fall asleep. I don't think most people realize the seats do that. They also usually have a deal for free headphones if you check in online. Not to mention they are one of the few airlines that still provide free meals. I have to admit. I've ordered vegetarian meals and they are Amy's brand which is quite good and available at regular markets. Overall, I'm glad to be flying Continental.

I've flown them several times, and will again. I think they are better than average.

By the way, most airlines have free headphones on international flights, as well as free meals. I don't ever recall paying for either on a transatlantic flight. You get both dinner and breakfast on the night time flights.

I'm an acknowledged CO fan so may have a bias. That said, I have flown CO all over the US and Mexico as well as to Europe and Asia, in both coach and BusinessFirst and they remain my carrier of choice. Obviously, BusinessFirst is preferable if ti fits the budget. Coach on CO is as good or better than others I have flown. The seats are well designed, including the adjustable headrests with "wings." Service is efficient and friendly, and they fly one (if not the) youngest fleets of jets in the business. Food service is great in BusinessFirst and usually pretty good in coach. On transatlantic fligths they serve a meal after takeofff and a light breakfast/snack just before landing. Check in online and you will get a coupon for free headsets, otherwise they charge $5 a pair on US/Canada/Mexico routes; they are free on transatlantic flights. Alcoholic drinks are $5 each, and to avoid having to worry about making change on the plane you can buy at an airport kiosk vouchers that you exchange in flight for your drinks.

I've answered the OP's question on the "airlines" forum, so I'll address the other replies.

loves2sing -

Keep in mind that Continental uses the 757 for its flights to Cologne (CGN). It's a narrowbody aircraft with one aisle. No individual video screen, and the audio is crappy. Bring your own entertainment. It's NOT a comfortable plane to be on for 7-9 hours (your return flight is that long).

---

TamaraEden -

Not only do the headrests have wings, they also slide up for the passengers with long torso or long neck.

Headphones and food are complimentary on all airlines flying across the Atlantic, so it's not an issue. The OP's ERJ from KC to EWR won't have an audio system.

We always fly Continental or Virgin.
Continental is just fine, we try to get the plane that has just 2 seats on one side. All planes could have more leg room, so they are no worse than the rest, and we have always been happy with the service and on-time record.
They have the little screens in the backs of the seats, I take my own headphones. I think the food might be ok, I rarely eat plane food but it doesn't look or smell bad LOL
Our flights were always out of Newark .

We've flown Continental overseas quite a lot lately, because their prices seem to be lowest. I am not a big Continental fan, but price is generally our deciding factor.

As rkkwan points out many routes use the narrow plane, without individual entertainment systems and the movies on these Continental flights can be very old. While food and headphones are free, I detest having to pay for drinks on international flights -- but guess that's the trade off.

I flew non-stop from Newark to Beijing on Continental and was just fine; I slept most of the time, even though I was in a middle of five seat. (I was very happy actually that my seat had gotten switched to that as the alternative was an enormous kicking "baby" of maybe one and a half or two years old on his grandma's lap next to me for fourteen hours.)

I don't eat plane food, either, so can't comment there (note: except for VA's ice cream; I like that touch.)

Continental is ok but I have learned to be into total flying time. We flew Continental from Seattle to London through Houston and it took about a lifetime and a half, I think about 17 hours. Since then we have learned to fly SAS, BA or KLM over the pole and we can be in Europe in 9 - 9.5 hours. That is a lot more manageable.

Amy - CO's 777 (for EWR-PEK) is configured 3-3-3 in coach.

Anyways, again, 767/777 = fine. 757 to Europe = I'd seriously look for alternatives.

I realize the LAX to CGN is in a smaller plane. But I'm curious...how exactly does the size of the plane make any coach seat more comfortable? From what I can see, my "space" is the same regardless if there are 120 people on the plane or 220. I have been on larger and smaller planes and in all cases, I am DYING by the time I arrive after a long flight! Well, and when my back is bothering me, I am dying even after a short flight! But seriously, is there something else I'm missing? Or are you refering more to the entertainment offered? The inseat video? The movie choices? While those are certainly nice to have, I'm not sure I'm willing to pay $300 more for them, especially since we're taking the three kids. We will definitely bring some stuff to keep everyone occupied, but actually I'm hoping to get some sleep. Does the 757 have the headrest wings? Those really help!

loves2sing -

First, the lack of personal video screens and the sucky audio is one contributing factor, but not all. Also, no powerport in any coach seat, while some on the 767/777 do have Empower.

Second, the 757 is 3-3. You get an aisle seat on a full flight, and you'll have two people climb over you. On a 767 (2-3-2) or 777 (3-3-3), you can lower or eliminate that problem. If you have a window seat, you need to climb over two people to get out (777 also), vs one on the 767. Chances of middle seat is also much higher (1 in 3) than the 767 (1 in 7).

Third, lavatories. 3 for 156 coach seats on the 757. Compared to 5 for 149 on the 767-200, or 6 for 200 on the 767-400 or 6 for 248 on the 777.

Fourth, with only one aisle, it's always blocked by the cart or people heading to/from the lavatories.

Fifthth, because of the curvature of the narrower fuselage and the interior design, the ceiling is a lot closer to you than on a 767/777. So, while in 2-dimension, you have the same seat space, your 3D room is significant less.

Sixth, much much less overhead luggage space. It actually does matter even in flight because ladies won't have the extra room to put their purse, or everybody their jackets in the overhead. So, they get crowded onto the seats.

Seventh, some of the 757s are as much as 12-years old. The seat cushions may be of an older design or maybe just plain old. I know CO's considering updating some coach seats on their 757.

But to answer your question, yes, the 752s also have the winged headrests.

Wow, you are an amazing bundle of knowledge!

I don't need a power port so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

The 3-3 should work perfectly for my family of six. The only people climbing over us will at least be people we know. My husband perfers the window seat so he can lean against the side to sleep and he doesn't get up much, I prefer the isle so I can chat with my mom and daughter, and its only my skinny kid climbing over me (when I say he can ;)). Grandma and the other two kids will have to duke it out on how often they can climb over each other (afterall, they should all be grateful Mom and Dad are even taking them on this trip anyway :D).

I thank God everyday for my stong bladder!((a))

And I love it when the cart is blocking the isle, that means food or drinks are comin'!

So if the ceiling is a lot closer, does that then mean the overhead monitors are also closer? Good thing, because once I turned 40, my vision started to go on me :B.

We're all light packers so I'm sure we'll be fine on luggage space. We're going in June so we'll not have bulky jackets. And I always keep my purse with me anyway. It's very small. (I used to carry a bigger one but my husband was always asking me to put a few beers in it <@:).

Old seats, now that could be a problem. Hmmm, a new cushion or old cushion in coach...but to me, it's still coach (and all I really want to do is lay down...and I can't). But I think I can suffer the discomfort for 9 hours for the $300 savings. Just think what a family of six can do with an extra $1800 on vacation!

Okay, so maybe I do seem to have a song in my heart (notice screenname). But I'm going on VACATION!!! Yeah!!! And...at $300 a pop, I guess it pays to be able to find the good in the situation. Hopefully I can teach my kids that same lesson too ((8)).

All kidding aside (it's late, I'm getting punchy), I really do appreciate all your input. If anything, it has helped me to know what to expect and helps me decide what I can live with.

Eight - the smaller 757 is a much bumpier, noisier ride compared to the larger 767 or 777.

Please don't spend the night talking to grandma. Right after takeoff, even before they server dinner many of your fellow passengers will be trying to get to sleep. For most trans atlantic passengers, the goal of getting as much sleep as possible is a primary mission.

I prefer to eat before I get on the plane and squeeze in an extra hour or 2 sleep if possible.

We're flying out of Los Angeles in the morning. I seriously doubt any of us SoCal's will be sleeping just yet since we just woke up. We switch planes in Newark, departing at 6:45 in the evening from there. Don't worry, I do have good manners and I promise to keep quiet on that flight ;)

But then...with that awful noisy bumpy ride, who can sleep? Adding earplugs to my list....will deal with bumpy ride. Gosh! I'm still singing and its 12:52am here! ((8))

Go to www.seatguru.com and select Continental on the left-hand sidebar and then the exact type of plane to be used on your flight. A wealth of information.

Winged headrests! If I had only known this when I flew continental Newark to Amsterdam last christmas I wouldn't have had to steal my boyfriend's pillow and he would have been a lot more comfortable as well!

By the way I thougt Continental was just an ok airline (although this was before I knew about the headrests!). The plane looked old and dirty, I didn' find the seats very comfortable, the food was by far the worst I have ever had on a plane and the free headset was of no use to me since my audio wasn't working :(

However we arrived according to schedule and paid an ok price for the tickets.

ipod_robbie - I agree with your 8th point.

loves2sing - I admire your positive attitude. Hey, I took CO's 757 to Bristol, England last year too, knowing all its "issues". But hey, for 25K miles (vs 50K normal) I won't mind.

Also, with 6 of you traveling, I'll take 2 rows of three on the same side instead of whole row.

vakantie - My experience is totally different then yours. I found CO's planes cleanest and best kept among US airlines, and better than some international ones (like AF). I've never found a dirty CO mainline plane. [The Continental Express ERJ is another story.]

I flew Continental Newark-Madrid and found their inflight service and courtesy the best. As a matter of fact, I believed Continental has won several years in a row the customer service awards. Yes, the plane seats are kind unconfortable, blah, blah, blah, but at least they take USAirways anyday on courteous flight staff.

Just take a good book with you. Tons of recs for that in this forum, too. :-D

rkkwan, maybe we just had bad luck that day I don't know... I haven't flown Continental before so I can't compare it to other trips. It wasn't so bad however that I wouldn't fly them again, it's just that I can't relate to some posts raving about Continental. The most important thing to me however is that an airline is safe and reliable and I have no complaints there. I just read that KLM (an airline that I've actually much more enjoyed flying with) has the highest rate of lost luggage of all european airlines on intra europe routes!

So why take 2 rows of three on the same side rather than across from each other? Curious...

loves2sing - Much easier to talk to one another with two rows on one side. Also, lower chance of getting into disputes with other passengers about seatback angles, kicking of seatbacks, etc.

Herein lies my dilemma...

Actually, I have always found it difficult to talk to the people behind or in front of me as the seat backs are so high up (and I'm short). In fact, I can't even see them. Whereas if they're across from me I can at least lean forward to tell my kids "sit down, shut up, and be grateful!" Or so they can see that I haven't eaten my cardboard brownie and may then inquire if they can have it :)

I have never had any disputes about seat back angles. If I did, my heart just might stop singing ((8))....but only for the moment. Or maybe the words would just be sung backwards ((6))

But yes, I have thought of how being in front of my own 11 year old would save someone else from his torture. But actually, I prefer to keep him next to me so I can keep a close eye on his airplane manners. However, if his 18 year old brother were in front of him, my little one may just throw caution to the wind and kick away at his older brother....just for "kicks" :D

I flew San Francisco - Zurich with a layover in Newark in May, and will be flying SF - Tel Aviv in March.

The food... nothing to brag about, but not bad either. Nice supplement to the snacks you bring along :) Plenty of non-alcohol drinks. Alcohol is $5 each, but you can buy coupons in bulk cheaper. It's on the website.

Enterntainment is not bad, I remember several radio and TV channels (once you figure out their remote, LOL) and you can always see where you are on the world map what is so cool!

And yes, adjustable (flexible) head rest! But don't be fooled, you still need a pillow. They do provide small pillows which I always lose, and then somebody wakes me up after picking it off the floor :(

Don't worry, despite lower prices this airline is on the better side!

loves2sing - If you go online at continental.com to select or change your seats, you can try getting A/C and D/F seats only. Get 3 pairs of such seats.

If the plane is indeed 100% full, then switch seats with the persons in the B or E seats. I am sure they won't mind having a window or aisle seat, rather than sitting between your 11- and 18- years old.

If the plane is not full, then you'll have more room to spread out.

Yeah, thought of that, but it's a June flight (prime family vacation time...just as school lets out, just before summer school starts...very narrow window). Do you really think it might not fill up?

loves2sing - I certainly can't say. But since EWR-CGN is a brand new route, load factor may be lower early on, as not everybody may know about this routing.

Last May, I flew the brand new EWR-BRS (Bristol, UK) maybe a week after its inaugural. Despite the 50%-off mileage special, I got three seats for myself on the way over. Coming back 3 days later, the flight was 80% full, however.

I have flown PIT-EWR-CDG, and the configuration was 3-3-3. I thought it would be claustrophobic, but the plane seemed "deeper", or with a higher ceiling, and it was as good a flight as I've had going to Europe in coach. On the return we had the last 2 seats at the back of the plane(something I had read on www.seatguru.com led me to choose them), and that was just fine, too.

We are frequent flyers on Continental. My husband will only fly Contiental because it is a Boeing airplane. We have traveled internationally numerous times both coach and business and have no complaints. As suggested go on seatguru.com and check out where your seat will be and if if is an ok seat. We are fortunate that we fly towards the front of the plane in coach but our children have had no complaints flying internationally in coach. Good luck and enjoy. Oh yes, suggestion would be to get eye shades and ear plugs no matter where you are on the plane.

I will be flying Continental from Newark to Manchester UK, and I snagged a bulkhead seat. Someone recently posted that that's the last place they'd want to sit. Have I made a mistake?

Guy18 - When are you flying? Manchester is now usually served by two daily 757s. Is that what you're flying on?

On the 757, there's really no advantage of getting Row 8. The only real good row is 16, but 16DEF is blocked for crew rest; leaving only 16ABC as assignable - and they're reserved for Platinum elites (or if you get really lucky with a friendly phone agent).

The description on seatguru.com about all CO planes are pretty much correct.

Again, I'm feeling happy I'm flying Continental. And my travel partner who didn't want to spend the extra $60 in order for us to be on the same flight to Amsterdam (he's in Chicago)...I can't wait to brag at all the nice things Fodor's people say :) But seriously, I still am bragging about the price too. Total flight, with fees and taxes, Newark to Amsterdam $430 Departing March 23rd, Returning April 5. :)

This is the plane Continental will fly to Europe on my trip. Sounds like a winner http://seatguru.com/airlines/Contine..._767-400_A.php

Looks like a good choice-http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2006/02/which_company_i.html

I've flown with Continental a lot these last few years and have been very pleased with all my flights with them. Also, Newark is a really easy airport to change at compared with my other experiences at JFK, Chicago, Philly and Toronto.
Carolena

My husband and I are flying to Europe for the first time. He will join me after I'm there for 2 months. We each have a flight from Sacramento, CA to Houston, TX on Continental. We have exactly 38 minutes to change flights to catch the plane to Paris.

We are glad to read the responses about Continental Airlines. For those of you who are familiar with this.....do you think we'll make our connecting flight okay? We are a bit nervous about that particular 38 minutes!

Thanks.

I don't like Newark (EWR). It has the following problems:

- CO's flights to/from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Washington, DC use Terminal A. While CO's CEO has promised an airside transfer "soon", right now one has to get out of security to change between A and C. It's pretty ridiculous that it takes EWR and CO so long to NOT get a solution.

- With the growing number of CO international flights, they often run out of gates in Terminal C in the afternoon that has access to customs/immigration. So, it's not uncommon for those international arrivals to sit on the apron waiting for a gate.

- The security lines at Terminal C is always crowded. While the lines do move, I find it pretty stressful to reclear security after an international arrivals. Do keep in mind that the lines at security near Gates 70-99 are usually faster than the others, particularly the one closer to gate 120-139.

jackster748 - relax, transit between gates at IAH is actually pretty smooth; CO has done a good job with installing an airtrain/monorail that stays in the secure area and short cut hallways between terminals. When you check in at SAC you will check through to CDG and not have to stop at the desk in Houston, just get from one gate to the other. The flight from SAC arrived today a few minutes early (5:53) into gate C36 and the Paris flight departed from gate E7 - that should be do-able in your time frame, though I would not stop along the way to browse!
CO inflight staff are usually good about letting you know at which gate you will arrive and you can take a look at the terminal maps in the inflight magazine to see how to get to your connecting gate. Also, when you arrive from SAC speak to the agent (usually in a red coat) at the gate to let them know you have a tight connection to an international flight - if it is really close he or she can call the Paris gate to let them know you are en route and get you an electric cart.