RE: Airline Help

Marci, just curious, what was the problem with Alitalia?

We usually fly British Airways, and are very pleased with their Premium Economy. But we have had issues with flights being late - sometimes hours late.

A quick check showed nonstop flights on United from Dulles (IAD) to Heathrow, and from DeGaulle to Dulles. If leaving from BWI, there is a daily British Airways flight 228 nonstop to Heathrow. I’m not aware of any nonstop flights from CDG to BWI. I didn’t check for National airport since I don’t find it convenient. United and British Airways are the airlines we always use going to Europe. If you want 3” extra leg room, pay the extra cost. We’ve had good luck with on time departures and arrivals. Both airliness have a good free entertainment selections with the seat back screens. For meals, the standard seems to be some version of chicken or pasta no matter where you fly or which airline you fly. Occasionally there is a 3rd choice. You can always select a special meal (e.g., vegan, halal, kosher, etc.) when you make your reservation. If you drink wine, there is free wine with the meal on both airlines.

Start by going to Google Flights and see what your options are for direct flights. You won't have a dozen choices. See what your choices really are and weigh them. However, you'll hear horror stories about any airline. Some people hate AA. Some people hate United, etc.

If you are flying direct, I personally wouldn't worry a lot about any history of late flights, as long as the plane leaves eventually.

I have done this same route twice and each time I have gone with United out of Dulles. I almost always take the daytime flight to London (leaves around 8am and arrives about 9pm) when I fly to Europe because I prefer not to lose a night’s sleep on the plane. United has the only daytime flight to London out of the DC area. It is a 757, but it is less than 7 hours. I love the daytime flight. It is so much better than trying to sleep in an uncomfortable airplane seat. I arrive in the evening, take the tube to my London hotel, and get a good night’s sleep. For flying home from Paris, I have taken the nonstop United flight home from CDG.

As much as people complain about United, I personally don’t think there is that much difference between airlines in economy class. I focus on the route and United is the only carrier out of IAD with nonstop flights to both LHR and CDG.

BA has nonstop flights from both IAD and BWI to LHR. Virgin has a nonstop flight to LHR from IAD. Air France has a nonstop between CDG and IAD.

Agree with Andrew H, except my big rule is that I want to be on an airline whose planes LAND safely, eventually.

United is my go-to airline out of SFO -- but my husband always complains that the flight attendants are a million years old, and prefers Lufthansa. A chacun son gout!

Check baggage allowances and seat-reservation fees before making a final decision. I have not yet paid for seat selection on a United flight, but British Air and Virgin Atlantic both charge fees if you don't want to wait until 24 hours before flight time to choose your seat. I'm not sure whether baggage allowances vary; those seem to change constantly, and never in a good way.

Thank you everyone for your feedback! Flight is booked! We took the advice to fly to London during the day to have a better nights sleep and not lose a full day of sightseeing from jet lag. As for Alitalia.... their boarding is completely chaotic like a stampede; the plane was very warm (no individual air controls, only center seats were cool); economy seats were the worst with no leg room and when the person in front of you reclined back your tray was almost touching your body. Also, everyone in my family swelled in their ankles and feet including two fifteen year-olds. I’ve flown many long flights in economy to Italy, Hawaii and Mexico on different carriers without these issues.

Thanks, Marci. I love the idea of a daytime flight, but it's not practical from here. We usually fly Tulsa to DFW; sometimes to Atlanta or Chicago, depending on the airline.

Glad to know about the Alitalia problems. We flew one of there smaller partners once, and loved it. But we have also had the tiny cramped seat version; luckily it was a short flight.

Have a wonderful trip. Sounds like you're making a similar journey to one of my friends: London, followed by time in France. Should be fun.

Another Alitalia problem, at least a few years ago, was their marked uncooperativeness with partner airlines. We'd booked thru Delta/American/whoever, the US partner, but Alitalia would not honor that airline's reservation code - to them we were non-reserved
nobodies. Many frustrating phone calls. (I think we were trying to select seats.) The US airline's staff all rolled their eyes & said, this happens all the time, they're infamous. Somehow it all panned out, but the inflight food was poor, to boot, national-embarrassment-level poor. Hope people's more recent experiences are better!

We flew British Airways LHR to BWI return two years ago and had no complaints. Can't speak for economy as we flew business but my experience is that with all airlines, if the person in front reclines then your tray is going to be in your lap or worse. Boarding was calm and well organised and staff were attentive and professional. No issues with flight departure or arrival times, all in all a pretty uneventful but pleasant flight.

Aside from the dearly departed Wardair, British Airways flights have probably been my favourites in terms of food and service. I always go with what I consider a good deal at the time, always economy apart from once, and with only one change maximum. My only real disappointment with any airline was with Alitalia, and my wife refuses to fly with them again - old upholstery, no personal entertainment, thoroughly black lasagne without an apology or a substitute offering. The bread was a stale as the old briefs I was wearing.

"when the person in front of you reclined back your tray was almost touching your body" - everyone is supposed to sit upright when meals are being served. The attendant should have asked them to straighten their seats, or you could have knocked them on the head with your high heels.

Hello,
I hope this is helpful. We just flew Virgin Airlines to London. (this based on several posters here that had positive recommendations.) We were first time flyers with this airline.

The out bound flight was a short hop from Dulles (IAD) to New York, then on to L-Heathrow. That portion was partnered with Delta. (the Delta portion was the only confusing part of the entire flight.) Everything else was timely and well run. The entire staff was excellent, on the ground and in the air. The flight was one of the nicest we have flown. The return trip was direct from LHR to IAD. We flew business class on the way over and economy plus on the return.

We picked a daytime flight. Out early morning, arriving early evening. Flight home departed late morning, arrived mid-afternoon. This proved an excellent option for us, as we experienced no Jet lag on either end. It could be the scheduling of the flight and the exercise, but I'm thinking it was all the Cadbury Chocolate and Tea consumed.

Regards,
Gagetgirl