On my first flight to Ireland a few years ago I flew United Airlines, LAX to Shannon. Very cramped, ate my measly bags of nuts, layover in Newark, not a great experience, but very cheap. Won't fly them again.
Since then, I've flown Virgin to Heathrow, then Aer Lingus to Shannon, economy flights. Much nicer flight! Spacious, comfortable, good food (and plenty of it - didn't need my granola bars and nuts), fairly reasonable. My preferred airline.
I'm planning my next trip and see very reasonable flights on Air New Zealand and Norwegian Air I don't know anyone who has flown these airlines. My travel buddies and I are all in our mid-60's, so we want to be reasonably comfortable, as much as we can be on a long flight. My question: what are your experiences with these airlines?
Posted by
Chicago
8158 posts
Drink more water as many mistake dehydration for hunger.
You have to spend more money to get more space on flights with legacy carriers. But Norwegian is an exception my favorite low cost airline for space in economy for the price. But it is for the lower maintenance traveler meaning you can either bring your own food and drink (as much as you want without going over the carry on weight allowance) on board or you can pay $45 for the same chicken or pasta TV dinner and breakfast junk most airlines serve on international flights. Also it is not free to check a bag.
However I would not recommend that you look into Norwegian any further. There is some negative stuff out there about their lack of alliances with other airlines (meaning if they cancel a flight they have no partner to put you on) and their financial situation (even though I continue to fly them as they just announced a direct flight from Chicago to Barcelona) and this may only cause you and the travel buddies stress.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA
128 posts
I flew Air New Zealand about 2 years ago from Vancouver, BC to Auckland. It was a good flight, no issues that I can remember. The staff was good as I recall. I do remember making some change over the phone and the person from ANZ was so thoughtful and friendly, still remember that nice call, which is something to say currently, as all you usually hear is “how bad” it is to fly!
Posted by
OP
Southern California
62 posts
Thanks for the info on Norwegian, Jazz. I do try to drink as much water as I can, but having to visit the bathroom frequently is a pain, especially if the seats and aisle are so cramped that I bonk others in the head. I don't mind bringing my own food or drinks, didn't know that was an option so I'll keep that in mind. As for my travel buddies, they've never been to Ireland, so I'm trying to make it as easy on them as possible.
And thanks also to you, bkmat. ANZ has tickets $200 less than the other flights. And the fact that you still remember the courtesy they showed you over the phone two years ago says something about them.
Posted by
85 posts
We flew Air New Zealand a few years ago from LA to New Zealand. Very nice airline with good food and good service. I upgraded to premium economy on the way over, which made the flight more comfortable. I wouldn’t hesitate to flywith them again.
Posted by
OP
Southern California
62 posts
Thanks, revelssn - seriously thinking of traveling ANZ.