I'm planning a family trip to London for next March. Will be travelling with my husband and two kids (11 and 14). Since we have never travelled out of the country, I'm wondering which airline is the best for trans-Atlantic travel as far as comfort, in-flight entertainment, meals, etc. We probably will fly into Heathrow unless there's a huge advantage to flying into Gatwick. <BR><BR>Thanks in advance for any helpful info. This site has helped us plan many vacations!

I prefer American.

I've used American, US Airways, British Airways, United, Delta and KLM. Of all these, Delta is the only one I will NEVER use again. With Delta you will be in agony - the others can be tolerated. Of course, if you are able to fly first-class this doesn't apply.

I flew on United from NY to Heathrow and had a good experience overall (except they ran out food on my return flight!) I've heard Virgin is a lot of fun and sometimes you can get good deals with them too.

I like American. Give me extra legroom everytime.

American!<BR><BR>

We flew Delta last May and the flight was fine. Of course, we go for the best ticket cost and Delta was the best at the time. They all seem pretty much the same to me with the exception of Air France which I prefer. I am just happy to get to my destination safe and sound!

I fly on Virgin Atlantic--it is a neat fun airline- the kids will love it!

I flew British Airways in June this year Seattle / London (also Amsterdam and Geneva). There overnight flight that leaves west coast USA ~6PM and takes the polar route was nice (as nice as 9 hours can get anyway!). This route avoids an extra U.S. airport transfer/stop.<BR><BR>The choices probably depend somewhat which city you are departing from (east coast vs. west coast USA or Canada?).

Whether you fly into Heathrow or Gatwick might depend on which airline you use -- for example, I don't think USAirways flies into Heathrow.

Virgin Airlines, period.

Hi,<BR><BR>Where are you flying from as this will determine which airlines offer a non stop flight or where you have to connect in the US.<BR><BR>BA is good but I would choose Virgin Atlantic as they are fun to fly with , have good food and service, have good deals on Premium Economy ( seats with 38inches of pitch) and I have been upgraded twice to Upper Class (excellent flight).<BR><BR>American does offer More room in coach (34inches) which is apparently one of the most generous seats in economy/coach.<BR><BR>If flying from Los Angeles, consider Air New Zealand (daily to Heathrow) as they are supposed to be good)<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Gregory

We're flying from Ohio, so will probably go through New York, Dulles, etc. I had been wondering about the comfort of the seats on Virgin Atlantic.<BR>Somewhere I read a review from someone who said that the seats in economy (which is probably what we'll have to fly!) were not comfortable at all. Has anyone found that to be true? Your posts so far are extremely helpful--thanks!

I've taken the NYC-London flight several times on American and have had a pleasant experience each time.<BR><BR>I've taken it three times on British Airways and have regretted it all three times. (I don't think they pay their workers very well because I've encountered some very rude BA staff).

You want to know the truth...you just never know. On the JFK-LHR route, we have American, United, BA, Air India, Virgin. I've never taken Air India...the rest I've had good flights and bad flights. The services provided are about the same; although Continental is now charging for booze in economy if that is important to you. The others do not. The big 4 now all seem to have the little screens that enable you to watch more than 1 movie....none of the movie choices seem to be all that current and I spend the entire flight watching the map of just where we are....<BR><BR>I prefer BA and/or VS. Why? Well it seems fewer Americans travel on these two and that make the queues at JFK much shorter for the American line as Immigration. Of course, even if you get through immigraton quickly you still have to wait for your baggage! <BR><BR>My final comment is I prefer Terminal IV to Terminal III at Heathrow. At least at Terminal IV there is a McDonald's and a Pret a Manger to get a sandwich while waiting for the flight. It almost seems that distances to the gates are shorter. For that reason, my final vote in this matter goes to BA as they fly into and out of Terminal 4. But the reality is the two prime consideratons should be price and time.

If money if important, US Air goes into Gatwick and I routinely find their fares to be the best. I fly out of Charlotte so I don't know if this factor would affect you or not. Have a great trip regardless.

As a west coast USA traveler to Europe, I will do ANYthing (well almost) to avoid the JFK airport (therefore my preference to the BA nonstop to London), as it can be a real nightmare.<BR><BR>I have found the BA crew efficient, polite and attentive (again maybe different on the longer runs than trans-atlantic only?).

Anne: With two exceptions, all of the airlines have very little legroom. American has 3 to 4 more inches pitch for ALL seats in coach. United offers extra legroom ONLY for the first few rows of economy which are sold as much more expensive Economy Plus tickets.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, neither offers the best service/food. That honor goes to Virgin - but Virgin is cramped.<BR><BR>Service is best on Virgin, BA, then AA, US, USAir<BR><BR>Don't let the airport (LHR or LGW) be the deciding point. Both are very convenient to London. Choose based on fare, legroom and service in that order (unless legroom is your most important criteria)

Without a doubt, Continental! Great service, clean aircraft, and I think they fly nonstop from Cleveland. <BR><BR>

Weer-gin, hands down...