We are planning a trip for the summer of 2008. There will be five of traveling together, ages 12 - 91, yes you read it right, my Grandmother and my children, along with my wife and I, plan to visit Scotland to visit where Grandma grew up. We are considering flying on the all business class Max-Jet airways from Los Angeles to London, Stansted. Has anyone done this, online review seem to be mixed and we would like the unbiased opinion of Back-Door travellers.
Posted by
Berryville, USA
20 posts
We were scheduled to fly out of Dulles Airport in November to London,Stansted on MaxJet and I found out from a friend that they were no longer flying out of Dulles and they hadn't notified us! We are now booked on Virgin Atlantic. If I were you I'd ask them why they stopped flying out of IAD.
They fly 767s (which is a great plane), if you do it have an alternative plan.
Remember Legend (which was all 1st class and stayed in business only 2 years)was a great deal and a very comfortable ride but was all of a sudden gone.
If you pay for tickets with a credit card you aren't out your money if they go out of business.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
If an Airline suddenly stops flying out of an Airport, particularily without adequate warning, that could be a bad sign! Do try to find out why.
Sorry to sound jaded but I have seen many things happen, both good and bad in this Industry. The worst was being called early one morning to operate a flight and finding the doors locked forever that same afternoon. Some had it even worse and were stranded overseas. Things happen.
Pat, IYO, what makes the 767 "a great plane"? I'm with you on that. She's a great bird to fly! Just curious...
Safe Skies,
F/A
Posted by
OP
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
The concerns that have been expressed are part of the reason that I am trying to find someone that has actually flown on Max-Jet. The own website states that the service to Dulles is suspended at the beginning of the winter season, and that they are increasing the number of flights to all of New York, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. So this may be more of a reallocation of their available equipment than a problem with finances or corporate viability.
On the other hand, my Grandmother was scheduled to fly on Pan Am the day the went out of business, and was already checked in and boarding a Swiss Air flight when they announced that the flight was cancelled and the company was shutting down. We really do not want to go for a three-peat.
Posted by
OP
West Sacramento, California, USA
281 posts
By the way, I agree with Pat. The 767 has been my equipment of choice for over 20 years.
When I was in college a spent summers and holidays in Europe, at the time American Airlines was flying a number of these planes to various, what I would call regional, airports throughout Europe. What I liked was that they could easily go into such places, as opposed to needing the runways that a cattle car or cargo flight on a 747 would require.
Also, the 2-3-2 seating arrangement was nice because you virtually eliminate the middle-seat squish that you get on the larger planes, especially those with 5 across center sections. Moreover, with only 230 to 270 aboard, depending on configuration, the dead time of long boarding and disemarkation times is greatly reduced.
Finally, the 767 provides a very smooth and quiet flight. This is due in large part to their higher than average altitude service ceiling, which allows them to get above the weather that others equipment cannot.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
I know all about the 767. They are a vital part of our Fleet. They are a pleasure to operate for a number of reasons including the ones mentioned.
I was just curious to hear why someone else likes one of my favourite Birds!
And Kevin, do keep us posted! I hope it all works out for you!
Safe Skies,
F/A
Posted by
Las Vegas, NV, USA
190 posts
My son always says, "Google them". If there is anyone out there who has flown MaxJet, you should find them!