Traveling to Europe--which airline should I use??

[huskerlaw]

I'm traveling to Europe this summer for the first time and I'm totally excited. Just got the ok on the vacation time, so I started looking at airlines. I'll be flying out of Los Angeles, and into either London or Brussels, so there are quite a few choices.

Any advice on airlines? Any of them better than the others? Worse? And if you've got any general travel tips, I'll take those too!

:woohoo:

[billyskank]

1. If you've got loads of money and you're flying to London, British Airways

:hi:

[huskerlaw]

3. I don't have loads of money...

Is British Airways really overpriced?

[billyskank]

5. You can certainly get cheaper

But they have good routes and the service is pretty good. As for the prices, don't take my word for it, check 'em out:

http://www.britishairways.com

[MrCoffee]

2. PanAm is nice...Eastern too. TWA is reasonable.

Seriously though, fly a European carrier. Or maybe Air Canada.

[huskerlaw]

4. I was leaning towards a non-US carrier

I've flown in the US enough to know that none of our airlines are overly impressive... ;)

[MrCoffee]

6. Domestic carriers + overseas routes = bad times

Continental to London - bad time
Northwest to Beijing - bad time

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. Yes, the contrast between United and All Nippon Airways on the

U.S.-> Japan routes is stunning.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

7. I flew United to London this past summer

They were okay, especially since I had paid for economy plus access, but the service and food were mediocre.

For my next trip to the UK, I want to try Premium Economy on British Air, British Midland, or Virgin Atlantic, which are supposed to be roomy, with good service, free drinks, amenity kits, and other good stuff, and only a couple hundred dollars more than regular economy, certainly far less expensive than business class, which will set you back $3000 roundtrip, and that's when the airlines are having clearance sales.

If you're not tall, just about any European airline will give you a good experience, even in regular economy, but if you're tall and flying from Los Angeles, try to get into premium economy or economy plus.

[trof]

14. You are SO bad.

That's all.

[AllegroRondo]

9. Lufthansa or British Airways

in general, the European airliines are WAY better than the American ones.

[Xithras]

10. Don't use a domestic carrier.

Overseas carriers almost always provide better service with more legroom and comfort. I've flown British Airways, Air France, KLM, and SwissAir, and all were far better experiences than anything I've had with a domestic. Keep in mind though, that they do tend to cost a little more.

[trof]

15. Yeah, ship your dollars overseas.

:eyes:

[huskerlaw]

16. Why should I spend my money here

if Europe has superior service? :shrug:

I've flown domestic enough to know that US airlines are bankrupt for a reason.

[trof]

18. Because I SAID SO, DAMMIT!!!

;-)

[SKKY]

11. For long distance flights, British can't be beat.

If you're going to Asia, JAL is tops.

[LostinVA]

12. Aer Lingus -- first class all the way, even in coach

[Connonym]

24. I second this

but you no longer get free itty bottles of Jamesons or Baileys on the flight :(

[LostinVA]

27. *gasp*

[jakefrep]

13. Lufthansa is excellent. nt

[Kutjara]

17. I take Virgin from LA to London a lot. Its a pretty good airline.

"Upper Class" is great but even coach is good.

[trof]

19. Whichever, try for seat next to overwing exit.

More legroom.
And, usually, the seat in front of you won't recline.

[jeff30997]

20. Airplanes are too dangerous and expensive...

Take the bus.:)

[huskerlaw]

21. But then I'd get wet!

x(

[Lautremont]

22. Icelandair!

Every flight attendant a literate, politically powerful goddess.

[KurtNYC]

23. I would look for one that flies Airbus planes with TVs on the back each seat

12 hours in the saddle is a long ride. Helps to be able to pick your entertainment.

[Pierre.Suave]

25. VIRGIN ATLANTIC

Seriously.

[AlCzervik]

26. i took United which was fine but my niece who travels to London always takes

Virgin airways and loves them. Next time i go i'll be taking Virgin.