Favorite Airline to France?

Did you check the Delta website? You may know this already, but didn't mention it. Delta and Air France are partners or whatever, so if you book an Air France flight, it may very well be serviced by Delta and vice versa (though it should say this on the schedule). In my research, I've found that the same flights often vary by up to a couple hundred dollars. I've also found that their schedules, obviously, are NOT identical...so give it a shot. You might luck out.

Thanks for the tip, Becca.

I've always been quite satisfied with BA. I don't think the level of service is quite up to Air France's standard, but I've had no issues. One thing that I don't like about BA is how they handle seat reservations. If you want to choose a seat in advance there is an extra fee for each leg. Otherwise, you can't choose until you check-in online (beginning 24 hours out). I usually pay to reserve the transatlantic leg and leave the European leg until check-in. If reserving a seat is important to you, factor these costs into your comparisons. However, this is probably the most important thing to check. Make sure a BA flight does not require an airport change. I thought Marseille flights departed from Gatwick. If you have to transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick, then I would avoid BA. I haven't flown KLM in years, but Amsterdam is a pretty user-friendly airport if you are connecting.

Thank you, Laura.

We fly BA often and really like it (except their horrid FF plan). Booked KLM last year and ended up on a Delta plane, which was an ok flight, but not as good as KLM. Based on my own experiences, I will choose a European carrier over a US carrier every time. As a rule they have better service, better food and just an all around better experience. I mean, even "buckle your seatbelts" sounds better with a British accent.
Have a great trip!

I agree, Angela. The times I've flown Delta or American Airlines overseas, the flights were ok, but more of a cattle call than a good experience. I think I'm going to stick with Air France and just bite the bullet on the extra $$.
Thanks everyone, for your responses.

Agree entirely with those who would NEVER fly a US carrier. Yes, be sure to check and see what airline is actually providing the flight. Have had very good experiences on both BA and Air France. I find them comparable. The food on Air France is probably a bit better. But, they pour their champagne from a bottle and it is, sometimes, difficult to get a refill. Yes, BA does not permit advanced seat assignments without a fee. I find this irritating as I must have an aisle seat. However, I periodically check availabilities prior to check-in and have always found that I can wait and get an acceptable seat. I don't know about KLM, but be careful, you may end up on a US carrier. Lufthansa has a great reputation; I just heard the former head of American two nights ago on Charlie Rose and he said that Lufthansa is the best Euro airline.

Great information!
Thank you, David

Another thing to consider, if you buy your ticket with an European carrier, whether actually on a US plane or not, European law states that the European carrier must take care of you in case of delays or cancellations. During the Icelandic volcano eruption two years ago, the European carriers had to provide or pay for accommodations, whereas the US carriers told passengers they were on their own. This might be one reason the European carriers are a little higher priced: it's an insurance policy of sorts.

We've done American, BA & AF. The difference between BA and AF was pretty minor. AF was a direct flight for us, but I enjoy Heathrow airport, so I'm just as happy with BA. BA was tacking a wicked fuel charge on at one point, so AF was cheaper for us.

Thank you, Bets and Patty.