I have recently booked a tour that starts in Venice and ends in Rome. Two of us will be flying out of and then back to San Diego. I am looking at flights and the various airline prices are not that different from each other. Therefore, I would like to choose an airline that has a good track record and provides the most comfortable flight. We will be traveling Economy, so I know that, by definition, it will not be the most comfortable. But, perhaps there are a couple of airlines that are a little more comfortable in Economy. Will the International airlines (like Swiss Air, Luftanza, Ilitalia, Air Canada) offer a better experience, or should I look at domestic airlines. I've heard that Delta is a really good domestic airlines to use when flying to Europe, but not sure. PErhaps I can get some recommendations based on actual recent experience here. I also wouldn't mind upgrading to the next level of Economy (certainly won't be able to afford 1st class) if it's worth it.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9080 posts
crazy.cat22 there are plenty of good and bad experiences and stories on every airline. The type of aircraft and the seats you get are more significant than the airline. Go to seatguru.com and you can get info on seating. My choice would be based on convenient schedule, the connecting airports, and ample layover time, rather than specific airline. Although belonging to an airline's frequent flyer program would also make a difference.
Posted by
OP
6 posts
Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out.
Posted by
HENDERSON, Nevada, United States
91 posts
Great question! Flying from the west coast is a bear. We fly from Las Vegas to Italy every other year and have found British Airways to offer service far superior to the domestics. We can fly direct to London and then from there easily to anyplace in Italy, total about 14 hours.Stopping on the East Coast really dragged us down. You get on a plane for 5 hours, sit in a terminal, then have to get back on a plane for 8-10 hours. We really did not like Delta because it connected in Atlanta and that was a long flight. Use the search engines, try looking at airlines that fly out of SD, and try not to connect on the east coast.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16238 posts
The best is always to fly directly to Europe without stopping by the East coast and preferably with a European Airline. From LAX there are many such options. From SAN the only option is the British Airways non stop to LHR. Then from LHR you would take a flight to Italy. The only problem to VCE is that British has only one daily flight from LHR to VCE therefore that might be a problem for the connection. BA has 3 flights to BLQ and that might be an option, but then you need a train from Bologna to Venice (just over one hour).
Coming back from Rome would not present problems with BA since there are many flights from FCO to LHR.
If BA from SAN doesn't work, I would drive or fly to LAX and take a non stop directly to Europe from LAX. I'd do anything to avoid a layover in the East Coast.
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2324 posts
One thing to check, if you end up having to layover, is the option of getting a one-day pass to the airline's lounge. They are usually quieter with comfy chairs, wi-fi and some food and drinks. Reception will let you know when to go to your gate. If you have to wait more than a couple of hours, it might make it bearable.