Hello,
I am trying to book a flight to Germany and I was given the choice of American Airlines. Has anyone flown with them before to Germany? What was your experience? Is this a good airline to fly to Germany? Pros/Cons...
Thank you,
Patty Walker
Posted by
Schwerin
3630 posts
I recommend a search, also in Transportation forum.
Be aware that some people only post feedback after a negative experience.
How do you plan to travel on in Germany?
Maybe Rail&Fly is an option: https://www.bahn.de/service/informationen-buchung/bahn-flug/rail-and-fly-english
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2833 posts
American is my first choice, mostly because I fly out of Philadelphia. I fly a number of times a year and haven't had any reason to not use them.
Posted by
Freedonia
16914 posts
At the end of the day, airlines are pretty much the same. Some have good experiences with a particular airline, some have bad experiences.
If you are flying in coach it's pretty much the same product.
I'd go with the one offering the best flights in terms of times and cost unless you are trying to stay loyal to a particual airline alliance.
Posted by
8708 posts
I don't totally agree with Frank that all airlines are equal.
However, with all, you do get basic transport to your destination.
There are differences between the airlines that can make a difference.
1) Direct flights- Great point, not having to change planes saves time and a bit of cash.
2) Meals, entertainment and seating policy can make a difference.
a) meals- we prefer Delta oner American and United, and find minor differences in meals, but Delta seems to do a bit better.
b) entertainment- Delta (especially for international flights) always has a nice screen for each passenger with great options for Movies, TV and such. American (from recent flights) has a policy to not have those screens, but provides wifi for you to hook up your phone or computer to watch movies. I don't like watching movies on my iPhone and I don't take a computer with me on international trips. This is a huge issue for me.
c) seating policy- Delta and American probably don't have a huge policy difference here, but I like an aisle seat and with my frequent flyer status, never have to pay extra for picking an aisle seat. Last time I flew American, I had to pay extra for that. It wasn't much.
3) connecting with partner airlines. Delta partners include Air France and KLM which we are very fond of as well as Korean Airlines.
Posted by
Cleveland
425 posts
My wife and I can be picky choosing airlines and we have certain preferences. American Airlines has been fine in the past and we have chosen them again for our upcoming flight to Switzerland (the deciding factor this time was the plane itself. When having the option, we look for 787s or a350s.)
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Florida
39 posts
Thank You each and everyone that responded to my post!!
I have now booked my flight to Germany and to see most importantly my German Cousins.
I am so Excited and doing the Happy Dance...!!!
Patty
Posted by
68 posts
Patty, my wife and I flew back from London in September. (Actually did a tour in Germany, before heading to London.)
From London to Seattle on American it was great. In fact they served us one complete meal-reminded me of the old days, and then later in the flight, they served another snack type meal, no extra charge for the meals and snack. I cant remember without looking up the price of the tickets, but it was very reasonable too. Service was good and things were comfortable.
Posted by
OP
Florida
39 posts
That is a Great way to travel ..!! Did you order meals ahead of the trip before boarding? I noticed on the website it mentions you can place a meal order up to 24 hours before traveling.
Patty
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2833 posts
If you are traveling American main cabin, you can order special meals for dietary reasons.
I wouldn't count on anything too interesting, it's adequate at best.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/experience/dining/special-meals-and-nut-allergies.jsp
Posted by
USA
69 posts
In First or Business Class, you can preorder a meal off a specific menu. I am not sure about Premium Economy.
For everyone further back in the plane, the closest you can get to preordering is the special meals menu. In the last year, I've ordered the Asian Vegetarian a few times on AA. On the flights from the States to Europe, they were good meals. (I think both trips were out of DFW.) The flights from Europe back to the States had more hit-or-miss options. You can request a special meal between 30 days and 24 hours before your flight.