lidboymk2

We are planning to go to San Francisco from either Paris or London and then drive to LA and then fly to Costa Rica for 10 days, but what airline? I have looked at flights with Delta or American Airlines or United, on Expedia and E bookers but would like some honest opinions on these air lines. Thanksi

fmpden

They are all legacy airlines and probably the same. Recently have tended to favor Delta but it will not make much difference.

travelgourmet

I don't think there is a huge difference between them, but I do think Delta is marginally better than American and United. If price and schedule were similar, I'd choose Delta.

tenthumbs

I flew USAir to Costa Rica and had no problems.

lidboymk2

And how far ahead do I need to book these flights, we are going next February.

travelgourmet

And how far ahead do I need to book these flights, we are going next February.

Prices are pretty high no matter when you book as the airlines have finally sorted out their capacity discipline problems. I don't think there is a magic time to book, but do think booking much before November would be jumping the gun, if only because schedules will change and you might book something thinking the schedule works and it doesn't end up being the case.

All in all, assuming you are fully committed to the trip, I'd probably start watching fares and book a good one anytime between November and December and then book whatever you have to in early January if nothing good comes up.

lidboymk2

I have just seen some good flights with ebookers flying with delta, any opinions on this .

WhereAreWe

Just looked at an arbitrary date in February (the 5th) for a one-way from LAX to SJO. Price was around $380. There's really no need to book now but it would be smart to keep looking every so often and see what happens with the fare. If it drops significantly then book it. I wouldn't wait until November/December to book, they aren't going to add capacity so I can't imagine the price will drop once we get into the winter months. Just keep an eye on it for the next few months and be ready to book something if you find a good deal.

P.S. I'm assuming you're going one-way and flying from there back to Paris or London.

lidboymk2

At the moment best deal paris to LA. Then onto Costa Rica and back through LA
That is with Delta but operated by air france

nytraveler

My only comment is AA. they are a preferred vendor for our company and I get stuck on a lot of their flights. I have found them to have the worst customer service - and often extra long lines since they deliberately understaff.

I would think any major is better than them. Also I have flown JetBlue several times recently and really like them (maybe good in CA) since you can get seat rows with a ton of extra leg room practically free - I think $59.

lidboymk2

Hi Does anyone think that 879€ is a good price per person - Paris to LA, San Francisco to Costa Rica and then return from Costa Rica to Paris. To me it sounds good, it is with Delta

travelgourmet

That does sound like a pretty good deal, as long as the schedule isn't crazy.

lidboymk2

Thanks a lot. Great time out from Paris, then overnight from LA to Costa Rica and early back but then we get to Paris mid morning to get our plane to the South of France.