What Airline would you take to Paris/Rome?

I would never again take USAir. The worst experience I have had going to Europe has been on USAir (although admittedly, flying through Philly made it exceptionally bad. I flew NWA, and it was better. My best experience on a US carrier was in 2002 on Delta.

My best experience, a long time ago, was on Swiss Air. More recently, I have flown Lufthansa, and their service has been head and shoulders better than any US airline I have ever flown. Look at Lufthansa via Frankfurt.

In what cities are the connections? I usually make my choice based on routing rather than type of plane.

I flew on a Boeing 757 ONCE on a 5 1/2 hour flight between Seattle and Hawaii. One isle for: beverage service, video device sales, garbage pick-up, meal service, garbage pick-up, PLUS 250 or so passengers try to get to the restrooms and just walking for exercise. I will NEVER again fly in a Boeing 757 unless the tickets are free. I fly from Seattle to Europe every summer and usually took SAS but they bowed out so have been flying Air France - both fly Airbus aircraft with 2 isles.
Good luck and happy travels.

I agree with Charlie, I'd never want to fly to Europe on a plane that didn't have 2 aisles. That's more important to me than what airline. The only one you listed that has 2 aisles both ways is your #4 choice. You can check planes and seating on www.seatguru.com

Steve, when are you flying? Are these the best prices you can get?

I don't think a 757 is capable of flying non-stop from LAX to Europe. Are these connecting flights? If so, I'd be more concerned about the transatlantic leg. There are some airlines flying 757s from the east coast to Europe.

757's do fly across the pond but not from LAX. Most of their flight are from the Northeast.

I will suggest that for the rest of 2010 you try to bypass JFK. With one runway closed, delays will be even worse than they normally are.

Steve, I already recommended seatguru.com in my post above.

I agree with Steve about United's 777's. They're great, especially love that each seat has their own screen.

What other planes have their own screens, does anyone know?

Susan, it depends on the airline. For example on United I've flown transatlantic on both 767 and 777 and both have seatback entertainment.

Steve, does the KLM option that you mention connect in Amsterdam? If so, Amsterdam is one of the best airports (in my opinion) for connections.

"757's do fly across the pond but not from LAX. Most of their flight are from the Northeast."

Yep, Frank II knows what he's talking about (as usual). If you ever do see a 757 flight from LAX to, say, London, you probably want to pass on that one. Or at least it would have to be a heavily discounted airfare, max range of 757-200 is about 3900 NM (nautical miles) and LAX to London is about 4700 NM (I admit it, I had to Google for those, I have no personal experience flying LAX to London on a 757).

But looking on the bright side, the aircraft carrier landing would be exciting (you can actually try to land one a Boing-Boing on an aircraft carrier, on MS Flight Simulator).

Thanks Laura! Do all 767's and 777's have the seat back screens regardless of the airline? If yes, are those the only two that have the seat back screens? Sounds crazy maybe, but those screens are important to us when we fly to Europe.

And thanks Steve, I didn't realize seatguru listed the entertainment systems, good to know.

Susan, I don't know the answer to your question but my experience is that the entertainment system is airline dependent. I'd suggest that you check airline's website for info. I know that United's site lists the type of entertainment system by plane and route as well as the films for the next two months.

American does not have seat back screens on most 767's. Although I did hear they are planning to replace their current 8-track audio system.

I fly AA almost exclusively because most of the flights are free. (Way too many FF miles.)

Thanks Frank, so it's not all 767's. I'd give up the screen if I could fly for free! Lucky you.

Thanks Laura!

I went back to seatguru.com and see now that they do list the entertainment features as Steve said. That's really helpful.

Susan
We are leaving for Paris on 07-03... and coming home from Rome on 07-17. So far those are the best prices I have been able to find. I have been looking over the last few months.

Laura
1. US Airways/US Airways - $1356 - Airbus A321/A330
Going: Philadelphia, PA
Returning: Charlotte, NC

1. Continental/Air Canada - $1503 - Boeing 757/767
   Going: Newark, NJ
   Returning: Montreal, Canada

2. Continental/United - $1510 - Boeing 757/777
   Going: Newark, NJ
   Returning: Washington, DC

3. Delta/KLM - $1526 Airbus A330/A330
   Going: Atlanta, GA
   Returning: Detroit, MI

So far US Airways doesn't seem to be getting good review.

All we are looking for is something that won't be too cramped, but price is a concern. I can't go over $1550 each. This is a trip for our 15 wedding anniversary. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Steve (OP), The reason I asked is because in the "Transportation" section of the Helpline there's a thread titled "Talk Me Down or Tell Me to Jump" that talks about when is the best time to buy. The consensus is 8 wks before you want to fly is usually the best time for the lowest airfare.

We're going to Paris on June 11, so I'm waiting until April 11 to buy. I do check websites almost daily while I'm waiting though, just in case I see one that's really low now.

Here is another sub-question. Is it better to book one-ways as opposed to booking multi-destinations? Book LAX to Paris and then book Rome to LAX?

Every time I'v tried this approach it is a higher price due to the flight being one-way.

My best advice is to do the following.
After you find flights that fit your budget,
go to those actual airlines' websites.
Often you can find a lower price, or the same.

But the best reasons to book through the airline vs the search sites are many. You are allowed to prebook your seats, allowed to upgrade, can change your ticket more easily, and can deal directly w/airline if something goes awry. Yes, you are charged a fee.

When I have used booking sites to buy tickets, I do not either have those options or it's difficult at the last minute to make changes. Nor do I have someone to assist me if something goes awry.

I look at the price, the type of aircraft, the length of time for each leg, and my loyalty programs.
Depending on where you have flexibility then make a decision based on what fits your budget,need and style.

For me I'd pay the extra money because of the long trip hours for your particular travel, and fly the AB-330 both ways.

My choices would be in this order: 4-2-1-3.
I do not like the larger B-777, even though I could have my own t.v. and power port. I prefer less people on the plane.

I prefer the B-767 and AB-330.
When I travel with someone it's nice to have two seats alone vs sitting in a 3 seat section.
I bring my own toys to play with.

Whatever you do, Enjoy your travel and Happy Anniversary!

So do you think $3000 for 2 people isn't that good a price? I have been looking for a while and it doesn't seem to be going down at all.

Do you think it will go below $1500 each in the next month or so?

In the "Transportation" section of the Helpline there's a thread titled "Talk Me Down or Tell Me to Jump" that talks about when is the best time to buy.

The consensus is 8 wks before you want to fly is usually the best time for the lowest airfare.