What's your favorite airline & why?

SeaSoul · July 2009

We're booking a trip to the west coast and being that I have a lot of anxiety about flying (it's related to feeling trapped inside a small space, not so much a fear of crashing) I'd really like to do whatever possible to ensure a positive experience. I wish we could afford first class, but we can't. Things that contribute to my anxiety are smaller planes, less room, delayed flights, and waiting on the tarmac for extended periods. I realize you have little control over much of that but would like to hear about positive experiences with specific airlines. Thanks!

pamela-matt · July 2009

We fly JetBlue all of the time now, if we can and pay the extra money for the "extra legroom seats". They are worth every penny. I have never had a bad experience with JetBlue. Having the TV, Movies, and Music at every seat really helps to pass the time.

DavezWife · July 2009

honestly, I have flown every single airline under the sun, (including some in Cambodia, Philippines, and Turkey...) and it's never the airline. It's the people. And you just can't pinpoint that. So rather than pick that, pick something you can control...

booze and pills. lol.

flights that are not major hubs, major connection flights, etc. are going to have smaller planes, that are more packed, that don't run as often. There's more variables, so if one thing makes it late, it snowballs. If you're taking a flight from ORD to JFK, it's going to go smooth.

I have seen the smaller carriers make more effort to be nice... Sun Country, Jet Blue, Frontier... but that's probably just cultural.

If you are able to get a couple of juicy magazines, a couple treats (chocolate, sweets, or the aformentioned booze and pills) and just sit back and just roll with it...) you'll have a nicer flight.

Best airlines in the world, hands down, are Singapore Air and Air New Zealand. We flew coach with them about 16 times in 2006 (our RTW ticket was based thru them) and they BEND OVER BACKWARDS for anyone. We got hot/cold towels every hour, booze until we floated, really good food!, little kits of this and that to take with, and the staff were some of the most attractive people I have ever seen. Plus every seat had on-demand movies, TV shows, music, concerts, and more. It was amazing to fly them, even coach!

oct11bride03 · July 2009

I don't fly often but I'm not a fan of Southwest AT ALL. I hate that they don't have assigned seating. I'd rather pay extra for an assigned seat and a checked bag then run like a herd of cattle to find a seat on the plane, especially if you're bringing the baby with you. The one and only time we flew Southwest (from NJ to CA) we had to sit on the tarmac for 30 minutes while the flight attendants begged the passengers to give up their seats for a family who wanted to sit together. No thanks!

Otherwise I agree with Davez that they're all pretty much the same. If you fly out of the airline's hub you might get lucky with larger planes and better flight times, but it's always a crapshoot.

If you book far enough in advance you might luck out with an exit row, but if you have the baby I don't think you can sit there.

susanc07 · July 2009

i've never even been on an airplane. but GL!

LuckySunshineBaby · July 2009

I love southwest. The pilots are funny! I feel like I'm always cracking up at their commentary. I do not love Philly's US Airways crews. Not so nice.

SeaSoul · July 2009

Thanks, everyone, for sharing. Very interesting stuff. I always partake in alcohol while flying and it does help! Yes, we're bringing Cal. What a nightmare some of you have been through with kids! I didn't know that you can't sit in an exit row w/ a baby - why?

I haven't flown in 4.5 years, since before the "no liquids" rule took effect. Can you buy a bunch of water once you get on the plane or do you have to wait for the flight attendant to come by? I think not having plenty of water at my disposal would make me anxious as well. I get dry mouth on planes.

thiswillbe · July 2009

I like Southwest primarily because if you have to cancel your flight, you get the full amount of the ticket to use on another ticket (no change fees), even on deeply discounted fares. They are definitely not the roomiest, though.

thiswillbe · July 2009

SeaSoul:

I haven't flown in 4.5 years, since before the "no liquids" rule took effect. Can you buy a bunch of water once you get on the plane or do you have to wait for the flight attendant to come by? I think not having plenty of water at my disposal would make me anxious as well. I get dry mouth on planes.

You can buy water as soon as you get through security. You can also take an empty bottle and fill it up at a fountain, if you want.

Mrs.Greenie · July 2009

Jet blue (more leg room and your own tv) the bad thing is they have limited flights. The worst: Southwest. They keep getting fines for their planes failing inspections.

marcuej · July 2009

Since you're doing West Coast, I'm partial to Alaska Airlines.

choco_lab · July 2009

I love Jetblue. Every seat has at TV and leather seats. And the flights are pretty cheap from where I live.

dusk42 · July 2009

SeaSoul:
I didn't know that you can't sit in an exit row w/ a baby - why?

Because everyone in an exit row has to be able to lift 40-50 lbs, understand English, and not be responsible for another person. Your sole responsibility is to get the door open no matter what, and I don't think anyone with a kid could ignore/put down the kid long enough to do everything the flight attendant tells them to do. I think your survival instinct kicks in and you are totally focused on protecting your kid.

There are generally bulkhead seats in coach that you can pay more for that have more legroom, and they have no restrictions.

crystalgirl · July 2009

I've only flown JetBlue once, but I have to say that was a pretty positive experience. The TVs with movies, music, TV are great! But bring your own headphones so you don't have to buy a pair.

Southwest is also good, IMO, despite the lack of assigned seating. In fact, I see this as a plus at this point. Just make sure to check in online as soon as you can. If not, you will still get to board at the end of group A if you're traveling with a kiddo. If the plane's not full, you will undoubtedly get a row to yourself with a kid! People will choose any other seat first.

Another trick, if it's you, spouse, kid, is to book the aisle and window seats but not the one in the middle. People book the middle seats last, so you might luck out.

We fly quite often, and I agree with Davez that it's more about the people and airports than the airline. That said, Singapore Air truly is awesome... Too bad they don't fly in the US!

runblondie26 · July 2009

I wish I could say my hubby's airline but....

for domestic I like Southwest because you can change your ticket without penalty. For international, it's either KLM or Air France. Topnotch service.

Want a personalized experience?

What's your favorite airline & why?

Re: What's your favorite airline &amp; why?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

Want a personalized experience?

What's your favorite airline &amp; why?

Re: What's your favorite airline &amp;amp; why?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards

What's your favorite airline & why?

Re: What's your favorite airline & why?