Which flight would you take?
 

I would love your help in choosing a flight for my family for a trip to Europe this summer. (I know this should be posted on the Airlines thread, but I really want the advice of travelers who fly to Europe and who check this board as often as I do!) Which flights (assuming costs are about equal) would you take from the US to Europe and back?

Delta on a 767 going and a 757 returning
AirFrance on an A340 both ways
AirFrance on a 767 going and a 777 returning
Northwest on a 332 going and a 333 returning
USAir on a 767 going and an A333 returning

I have checked SeatGuru and various other airplane websites, so I know the basic layout of these planes, but I would like any input you have on which planes are newer, more comfortable (I know - comfort is subjective, but if everyone hates it, I probably will too!), location of the movie screens, etc. . .

Thank you very much for any advice you can offer!

Air France don't have 767. That flight is likely a codeshare operated by Delta.

But of the choices you provide, Northwest 332/333 is the best when it comes to comfort and entertainment in coach.

It has never occurred to me to look at a plane's layout. Aside from cost, I'm only concerned about the convenient timing of our departures and arrivals and that it be a non-stop flight.

I'd choose one from amongst your options based on those criteria...

I would be looking at total time and and connections. Do not have less than 1:30 for any connection, especially at CDG. All the airlines are bad or good depending on the crew and weather. It is a crap shoot.

The Delta codeshares with AirFrance have been older planes in our experience. Avoid them if you're looking for comfort.

Delta now fly both 767-300 and 767-400 to Europe. The 763s are older and has no individual video screens. The 764s are newer and DL are adding personal screens on them.

Oh, and AF uses both 777-200ER and 777-300ER for US-CDG flights. The 773s are newer and the seat cushions slide forward when you recline. One of the most comfortable coach seats you may find (legroom is about average). They have also a more advanced video system than their 772.

Where are you going to and coming from? That would make a difference to me. "Europe" is too general of a destination for me to decide.

I really would be making my decisions on all kinds of things other than the aircraft, also - and connections would be a big one. I rarely have that many choices, as I pick mainly on times and money.

However, of that list (ignoring every other reason that is more important), I would choose Air France Airbus both ways. I prefer Airbus, but Air France 777 would be okay. However, I would only choose those if it were really AF, not Delta. NW and USair would be the very bottom of my choices. HOwever, if that NW flight were really KLM to Amsterdam (which I have flown, and it was not NW), that would be another story.

Don't forget to look at connection times. Two hours is good. 6 hours or more is not good.

I would only add that a 757 would be my absolute last choice - unless you're in front. Narrow body planes with single aisle are not fun on a transatlantic flight IMO.

I make my decision based on whether it is a non-stop or the number of connections, price, airport(s) where transfers happen, time allowed for connection and flight times, all before I look at seating configurations.

Oh and also the airline company. I prefer a non-US carrier if possible (I like British Air quite a bit). US Air would be my last choice. I use them for shorter flights in the U.S. and to Mexico, but am not sure I'd trust them to get me to Europe and back!

Northwest.

Thank you for all your responses - I really appreciate it. The times and connections are (for the most part) fine for all my options. I thoroughly researched all the dates, times and connections before narrowing down to these flights. I have some flexibility, so that may be why I have several options. I thought I was all set on the Delta flight, when my husband started moaning about the 757. That is what started this new research topic for me of what actual airplane is the most comfortable. Hey - it's better than doing laundry!

Christina, the NW flights say they are KLM to Amsterdam - you mentioned that is another story - a good one??

Thanks!

Northwest and KLM market their flights together, and both their new A330s are similar configured.

However, NW flies mostly A330-300 to Europe (their A330-200 mostly goes to Asia); while KLM only has the A332 version, no A333.