Which Airlines

cj_ksf · Newbie

Which Airlines

youngka · Guru

cj_ksf

We went on Continental, in Oct., and it was VERY crowded. You really couldn't put your seats back, hard to get in and out of your seat, and the flight attendants could hardly get their cart thru the isle, which made it difficult trying to use the bathroom. Other than this, the flight attendants were very nice and good at bringing us lots of water to drink, or whatever we wanted, & the flight/s were on time. We are going back in March and will use U.S. Air to Chicago then taking Aer Lingus to Shannon. Looking forward to these flights! Food on Continental was so so, not as good as when we have flown Alaska Airlines (which does not go to Ireland). The pizza was horrible, and their beef dinner.......the two movies were really good, little tvs drop about 6 places, but you have to purchase the headset from Continental. When flying back on Continental, from Shannon, they give you the headset!

Also, be sure and check Aer Lingus for specials. They have some really good ones......

Good luck with your flight and have a great time!

youngka

Michele Erdvig · Host

cj_ksf,

I generally fly Delta and the flights and service are good. The only thing I don't like is that on some of their planes they have no individual air vents. When you reach my age you gotta have cool air! Last time I brought a tiny fan that goes around your neck and blows air on your face but I didn't need it.

Michele

CowboyCraic · Guru

Cj,

I have traveled on both Aer Lingus and Continental. I would have to say it is hit or miss, either way. I had only mediocre service on Aer Lingus in June going over to Shannon. Yet, coming back from Shannon, The service was absolutely wonderful. On Continental, The service over was great and the service back was horrid. I will say that I was not happy with the delays we had with Continental. We sat on the Tarmac in Chicago for almost an hour before the explained that hey were waiting for a replacement part for a crucial instrument. On our return, we sat on the tarmac in Dublin for an hour and a half while they again had to work on some crucial component.

As for being crowded, I don't know of any airline that isn't that way unless you sit in first class. I did manage to get two seats that were in a row which had no seats at all behind it....we could lean back then. That was on Aer Lingus. I don't usually watch the movies, as I take tylenol PM and sleep for the duration of the flight. However, my boys and I flew to London on British Airways in June and they had the seatback screens. The boys were ecstatic,as they could each choose their own movie to watch.

Aer Lingus is running killer deals right now from the major hubs.

Hope this helps.

Nollaig Shona Duit (Merry Christmas),

Bit Devine

Cowboy Craic

Michele Erdvig · Host

cj_ksf,

I have to amend my comments. I have flown Aer Lingus between London and Ireland as well as between Germany and Ireland. The flights were fine. On one flight about half the plane was offered something to drink, while the other half was ignored. I was one of the ignored people. I have never been able to figure that one out. It was hit or miss with the flight attendants on that flight.

Michele

Lesman · Member

American Airlines Flight 92 ou of Chicago was very nice a roomy for me. COming back I was put on Aer Lingus becuase of some flight delays due to foul weather, the screen jumped on movies, service was very good though, flight was 8 hours long going back to Chicago O'hare. Airplane was one of the older planes, so the seats were small and not comfortable. Everyone has a different experience though.

Go for fare is all I can say!!!

Les Anderson

Michele Erdvig · Host

Les,

I agree with you about taking the lowest fare. With any fight on any airline it is a roll of the dice as to the plane you fly on and the service you get.

Michele

cj_ksf · Newbie

I want to thank everyone for the suggestions and opinions. We decided on going with the lowest fare (Continnetal) and I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

Once again thanks!

Michele Erdvig · Host

cj_ksf,

I'm glad to hear you have made an informed decision. We will wait to hear your review of Continental when you return.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

I've always been a lowest fare guy and so I've flown most of the ones that fly to the UK and Ireland. BA, AA, Delta, Continental, Northwest and US Air. Generally, BA has been the most consistent though they go into London not Ireland so you usually end up on a short flight on Aer Lingus. I don't ever remember horrible service but on my one flight over on Aer Lingus, they kept the cabin lights on all night which was really quite iritating.

Bill

kenny M · Newbie

I just did a search for airline prices to shannon from Boston on travelocity and I really wonder just what 10,000$ buys you in first class. 620$ for coach to 10,000$. I just have to know. Maybe you get a new car when you arrive back home, or a down payment on a house, or maybe a 10 year supply of chocolate. mmm I could probably go for that.

Curiously Ken

youngka · Guru

kenny M

I have to agree with you. I have tried to find a nice low price and did find something a little lower for coach. One trip I am going to try Priceline and see if I can really get a low price of MY choice -- a little apprehensive about doing it. Has anyone else tried it and gotten what they ask for?

youngka

Marie · Guru

Hi:

In my searching, I found that the very lowest prices are gotten when you are willing to travel on their dates. A good friend flew roundtrip to Shannon from DC for $199 in January. When you need specific dates, it's harder. After shopping around a lot, I got a bit nervous about being able to get seats at a decent price, so I settled for $630 on US Air.

Marie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kenny,

You sound like my chocoholic husband! Actually, I have flown first class but before you think I am a rich woman you should know it was stand-by. If the seat is available you get 1st. Otherwise it is business or cattle car. Last time was a few years ago on United, Dulles to London.

First you get a ton of room. You have lots of lights and different buttons to play with, personal movies that you get to choose, video tapes, pop up individual screen, etc. The seats turn into "suites" which means they fold down flat and you can have the flight attendant make up your bed with a mattress pad, sheets, large pillows and blankies. If you don't want to lay flat you can recline to any angle you want. There is lots of individual storage space for computer, purse, carry on bags, etc.

They welcome you aboard by name and offer you champagne or whatever you want. While the cattle car is loading you sit and sip your drink and get organized or peruse the toiletry kit with slippers, eye shade, lip gloss, tissue, lotion, nail file, toothbrush, paste & mouthwash, and other stuff you might need. The flight attendants keep a close eye on everyone and top off their drinks when needed.

The service on the whole flight is very personal and attentive. Once you take off they pass out newspapers, magazines, menus, hot damp towels to freshen up with, ****tails and mixed warm nuts to munch on. There is a choice of appetizers, soup or salad, main entree, dessert, cheese, fruit and port. All the while the wine of your choice flows. It usually takes a couple of hours to enjoy the meal. Pre 9-11 there was silverware. Now it is plastic for obvious reasons. But you do get to dine on china, drink out of glasses (not plastic) and have linen placemats and napkins. The flight attendants are always going through the cabin to see if you need anything and passing out bottled water or other beverages.

After all that (and some champagne) I can usually sleep for a few hours unless there is a screaming baby in business class.

Now if only they would make the toilets larger! There are fresh flowers in them but I want more room.

So, that is the inside scoop. I have read that United is creating an even more luxurious experience in first class but have yet to try it. I actually prefer flying Delta direct from Atlanta to Shannon with no stops. The convenience of non-stop over three flights, connections and a much longer trip is priceless. I also hate Heathrow!

Michele

matt109 · Veteran Member

I am flying Delta to Shannon in April and was pleased with the price. I shopped around for about a month and what sold me on Delta was the short time in between flights. I hate having to sit in airports for 5 hours so I will pay a little more money and have less time on the ground.The one thing to look for is to just make sure that there is enough time between flights to make your connection and so far I have not missed a flight. I always leave two hours in between flights. If you book far enough in advance you can always request the seat or seats you want to sit in. I always call the airline I am flying and talk to an agent about where they like to sit and then go with their recommendation.

kathy · Veteran Member

on my last 4 transcontinental flights from shannon to the US - i missed my connection every time. weather was never the excuse - it was either baggage not getting off-loaded, late departure, etc...

so - delta, continental, american and us airways - all delayed at least 4 hrs on the westbound journey. haven't tried aer lingus in the last 12 months... i can't recall that far back.

kathy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Kathy,

Wow! You have certainly had a run of bad luck with traveling lately. I hope 2007 will be a better travel year for you!

Michele