Airline preferences?

[kork13]

Very random thought, sparked by an article I just read (here, if you'd also like to check it out).

What airlines do you all prefer, and why? Or, which are you dead-set against? For some, it's all about ticket price, company-irrelevant. However, loyalty, customer service, and a number of other factors often come into play as well.

Back when I lived in Guam (and didn't buy my own plane tickets), my family and I used Continental all the time to go to Japan, Australia, the US, and wherever else. They treated us very well (my entire family--7 of us at the time--were silver or gold elite members), and I often got free upgrades from coach to 1st class when they had open seats up there. Now, however, I realize that they're often more expensive than other options, and don't use them much. They are, however, probably my favorite airline, and if price weren't an object (or when their prices are comparable to others, such as for trans-oceanic flights), I will use them.

Of late, I've gone away from any sort of airline loyalty, and simply would get the cheapest fare--just out of college, I haven't exactly been able to go nuts on traveling expenses. However, for short-haul flights, I have had a number of good experiences with Southwest and Frontier, having both low(-er) fares and also very helpful/well-mannered employees.

The only one I've ever consistently had problems with is United, and in almost all cases, I will avoid them if at all possible. For a long while, every time I get on a United flight, it is delayed, cancelled, diverted, I got bumped (w/o compensation), or the plane straight-up broke. I've never really had a positive interaction with their company or employees.

However, these are all simply my own thoughts and opinions... What do you all think? What experiences (good or bad) have you had?

[lemarquis]

Air France hands down! They have the best customer service, very competent pilots, and very attractive flight attendants!

[elizabeth9]

jetblue, they are priced well, plus you get DirectTV on each flight and satilliate radio too.

[photo]

British Airways -- least hassles, best seats, competitive prices, and just excellent overall experience for me.

I've heard Virgin is superb, as well.

[riverwed070707]

Wow, almost all listed aren't even available for me! I really love Delta and will choose them when they are comparably priced to other options. I have rewards with Delta and American Airlines, though admittedly I don't really care for American they just have the most flights out of my airport so I get the best scheduling options with them. I agree about United -- I've never had poor service, but their fleet tends to be older and less comfortable (the last United plane I rode in still had ashtrays in the armrests! How long has it been since you could smoke on a plane??)

[krantcents]

Domestically in the U.S., I like JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic. Overseas, I prefer the airlines in the Star Alliance such as Lufthansa and Air Singapore. A lot depends where you expect to travel.

[Godwynn]

Virgin Atlantic. They have great customer service and the red skirts make a long flight shorter.

[markjason]

Originally Posted by Godwynn

Virgin Atlantic. They have great customer service and the red skirts make a long flight shorter.

I agree with you.

[terces]

Might not be many people's favorite but right now I love Continental. Especially cust serv rep Norma. Been trying to get FIL to commit to a trip for the holidays. Kept hemming and hawing even though we told him we had to buy now cause we found some awesome airlines rates. DH finally got him to commit on Friday. Well I looked at the rates online and they were the same. But then I went to finalize the reservations and blip they increased by $150+. I freaked. Had to call Continental anyway since needed to coordinate an extra seat for FIL. When Norma quoted me the new higher rate, I told her I had just saw the lower rate online. Do their rates changes that quickly? Wonderful Norma found me the lower rate and gave it to me. Easily saved me $500. Pays to always ask. She even waived the extra fee they charge for assisting you on the phone.

[SNRote]

I like Southwest. They fly just about everywhere and have super competitive prices. However, they try to get you at the last minute with their $10 per ticket (each way) early check in fee. Don't waste your money. You can check in quickly at the airport. However, I don't like that they don't do assigned seating.

[Gina23]

Frontier is pretty great.

[snafu]

Air Canada is one of the few carriers that doesn't yet charge for 1st bag. OK on-time figures, part of Star Alliance and pilots do a smooth landing. On the negative side, their cabin staff is rude to the point of hostile; smart travelers stay silent, we've long known they have the power to order passengers off [like Alex Baldwin]. Bring a muffin, sandwich or snack as I've noticed no one buys their ghastly offerings. Wear comfortable shoes as the AC gate is always as far from terminal's luggage carousel as possible.

[beth_williams]

I usually go with whatever airline will get me the most miles but I like Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic. Swiss Air is one of my faves since they give you swiss chocolate on the flight

[bjl584]

I've never really thought about it. The only time that I fly is when I travel for work, which is only a couple times a year.

Honestly, I don't like traveling, or airports, or waiting in security lines, or packing into crowded airplanes. So, I guess I really don't like any of them or anything about the entire experience. I wouldn't go to airports if I had a choice.

[Naples09]

I like Continental.