Airlines

I always liked BA, but I went home for Thanksgiving and it was terrible.  The food was the worst I ever had on an international flight. 

Tip on airline food!

Always request some type of special request meal. I always order a seafood meal and it usually is nice and fresh and taste good.
Last time we flew in november I got Mahi Mahi....

I just flew American Airlines to Italy from Dallas over the holidays, and I was pretty appalled.  I fly AA a lot because their hub is in Dallas, and this was the only time things were memorably bad.  There were many of us on international flights through JFK on New Year's, and the plane was delayed for 2 hours (with all of us inside it) at DFW because of various maintenance issues.  I ended up being re-routed through Heathrow and the staff was very rude to the woman sitting next to me (they mistakenly gave her someone else's special meal, and then blamed her for their mistake.  It made me so angry).  I've had enough okay experiences that I would probably fly them again, but it was really an eye-opening experience.

I flew KLM to Newcastle, through Amsterdam, in October and was pretty impressed.  The flight went smoothly, and they had snacks and juice available at the back of the plane during the whole flight.  I will probably try to fly KLM more often.

Yes, I always used to request a veggie meal when you could do it online when you booked and chose your seat.  Do most airlines still allow that?  Last time I flew with AA (Awful Airlines) they would only let you do that by phone, which seemed too much hassle at the time.

Has anyone flown with Air India? They're going to be my carrier from London to Newark. I didn't even know they did transatlantic flights.

I'm not looking forward to the connections though...London to Newark, Newark to CINCINNATI and Cinci to Tampa. I've heard horror stories about the Cincinnati airport, but surely it can't be worse than Atlanta. 

I've heard horror stories about the Cincinnati airport, but surely it can't be worse than Atlanta. 

Tough call.  Be glad you're not going through Cleveland at least. 

Has anyone flown with Air India? They're going to be my carrier from London to Newark. I didn't even know they did transatlantic flights.

I'd be careful of Air India

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=47075.0

I'd be careful of Air India

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=47075.0

Oh god. 16 Feb is the last day of my visa, too. Maybe I should move the flight to something earlier.

I use Northwest/KLM and have always had a very pleasant experience.  I know they do charge for luggage on domestic flights but I have no idea how much as I am a frequent flier with them so the fee is waved for me.  With NW and Delta merging and with NW being airmiles partners with Continential and KLM, I love their frequent flier program, it allows me to shop around on a number of airlines but condense my miles into one program. 

This next trip I am taking will be on Delta, as I had a 150$ voucher.  With the comments on here, I am interested to see how the flight goes.  Wish me luck, I suspect it won't be as pleasant as on NW/KLM.  Oh well! 

Tip on airline food!

Always request some type of special request meal. I always order a seafood meal and it usually is nice and fresh and taste good.
Last time we flew in november I got Mahi Mahi....

That's a good point- when I flew AA at Christmas, the woman across from me had some kind of special meal, I'm pretty sure it was the veggie meal.  Well all they had was the business class meals for her, so she got a gorgeous spread, and a free bottle of wine and the rest of us got the crap in a tin.  I was kicking myself for not ordering a special meal!

Tip on airline food!

Always request some type of special request meal. I always order a seafood meal and it usually is nice and fresh and taste good.
Last time we flew in november I got Mahi Mahi....

Why no Manx kippers?

The only American based airline I like is Delta. Unlike many here, I have only had great experiences with them. Plus on the flight back they serve me a cheese pizza, which is the only airplane food I eat  

I only fly BA now though because my DH flies for them, so we can get staff travel benefits. The staff they keep in ATL are HORRIBLE though, so I refuse to fly via Atlanta. But I find the staff in Chicago are very very friendly and accommodating. I've never been in economy with BA but when I was in economy plus(or..world traveler plus, whatever stupid name they have for it) and went into the back to use the loo, the seats looked comfortable and fairly roomy as far as airline seats go.

So, I recommend BA! Plus, no baggage fees. I've even gone over my weight allowance on two bags and they never batted an eye.

As for the airport in Cincinnati..when Iw as going Delta, I always specifically chose to fly through there.  Friendly people, and they have good places to eat while you wait. The immigration lines are never long either since it is a small airport without many international flights. The only slow bit is going through security after immigration..but, that only takes about 30 minutes max. Usually no more than 10 minutes.

Lets compose this letter.
Dear President Obama,

Forget war on poverty, peace in the middle East or jumping the economy, just pay attention to the airlines.
Changes from the Oval Office.
1. Every passenger is given a menu of the airlines CEO compensation package.
2. All passengers can get a refund if they are not satisfied with service.
3. All comforts are reinstated to the level of service as existed in 1949.
4. Airlines will loose their license if the passengers complain about their service.
5. All Asian airlines will be able to pick up and discharge passengers without restriction in the US.
6. All congressmen will have to fly in steerage(economy) so as to review the level of service given to their constituents.

Anything I missed out?

Seriously. All airlines should have to reapply for permission to use the airports and their application should be denied if they can't provide a good level of service.

with BA but when I was in economy plus(or..world traveler plus, whatever stupid name they have for it) and went into the back to use the loo, the seats looked comfortable and fairly roomy as far as airline seats go.

Ashy,
Thanks for the tip. "BA loo seats are comfortable and fairly roomy"?   

Well, as far as airlines having less amenities and luxuries..that comes with the fact they have to keep prices relatively low or people can't fly. Flying wasnt so easily affordable back in 1949 like it is today. Flying wasn't for the lower or middle class. So standards were much higher.

But, their workers definitely need to check their attitudes at the door and at least be civil.

And lol! Well, actually, they are more roomy I think than other airlines!

Why no Manx kippers?

LOL Jim...they give me indigestion some horrible!