Best airline?

[tjuzer]

Discussion. Your experence?

[stealth]

Quantas

[Rokkin]

Emirates. All planes are new and each seat has it's own video screen. Service was excellent too.

[yyz2hkg]

Cathay Pacific was named World's Best Overall Airline in 2003 and 2005 by Skytrax survey, and I've flown with them on many occasions. Service and attention from the FA's are great. The airline was also awarded with Best First Class, Best First Class Lounge (Hong Kong), and Best Business Class Lounge (Hong Kong) by Skytrax.

[aidzhsiah]

Ugh, maybe I'll just cursed but I haven't had a great flight on Cathay in a long time. Service, comfort, entertainment, have all been below average everytime I take them.

I've had really good experiences on ANA.

[hiltzman]

Just returned from a very long trip to Ozzi/NZ and I give kudos to Air New Zealand...nice new planes with cool individual entertainment systems, well stocked bar, decent food.

[Acrossenger]

Air Canada. Voted best airline in N.A.

[Mariano_Deals]

I would have to say LAN, all new planes,good entertainment but the food could be a lot better!!

[rdtx2002]

Cathay Pacific
Japan Airlines
Singapore Airlines

[HighFlyer]

Economy/Coach: AC (on the E75/E90 and XM'ed 763/320's)

Business Class: tie between British Airways and Air New Zealand

First Class: Singapore Airlines

[Mystix]

It really depends on where you go.

[Blunt]

From all the stories I've heard, Cathay is the best.
I think Air Canada is going down the tubes, as they were good 4 years ago, but not anymore.

I thought my Zoom Airlines to europe was pretty good last year... :)

[GangStarr]

JetsGo

Used to get me to Vancouver from toronto for $320 and to calgary around $250. Made ski trips so cheap.

Unfortunatly I was on the plane on their Calgary missing the runway slip up. One of 3 incidents that caused the company to go out of business.

Real shame, hot girls from montreal working there, decent on time service, and CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. I also earned a free flight a month prior to their bankruptcy.

Now its like $600 to fly to Air Canada. I don't care how nice you may think an airline is, it was well said in another thread. Passengers are just frieght that complains. I'd take a cheap flight over an LCD in the head rest anyday. We live in the age of $100 portable dvd players.

[yyz2hkg]

I thought my Zoom Airlines to europe was pretty good last year... :)

Packed like sardines though during those 6+ hrs over the atlantic...

[aquariaguy]

I like Air Canada. Taken many flights, and Jazz and Tango seem to be good. Albeit, they are short flights, but I mean i just sat there. Go some pop and peanuts. Than got off.

[crimsona]

Cathay Pacific had some really pretty flight attendents on my last trip from YVR to HKG - sure made the Air Canada ones look like grannies. Was talking to a few... they were like 24 and 26!

[TheFuteballer]

Lufthansa!!! going to europe with those planes is amazing, service, GOOD FOOD, A++++

LOL feedback styles

[natalienicole]

Sunwing. They are new. Everything nice and fresh. Empty plane. Lots of leg room. They gave us wet towellettes to clean our hands. They also served us free champagne!

[march9]

SIN by a long shot.

[heymikey]

Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific were definitely the best airlines I have ridden on. I remember when I was a kid, both airlines were giving out toys and other stuff for us to keep, like a coloring book, a model airplane, a small jigsaw puzzle, anything to prevent kids from getting bored. It was those small touches that really left an impression on me from both airlines. Other small touches that I like are hot towels (they give them out at the start of the flight) and amenity kits even in economy class. Plus, the food is great and the service impeccable, and even as an adult, both airlines are still my favorite.

[yyz2hkg]

Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific were definitely the best airlines I have ridden on. I remember when I was a kid, both airlines were giving out toys and other stuff for us to keep, like a coloring book, a model airplane, a small jigsaw puzzle, anything to prevent kids from getting bored. It was those small touches that really left an impression on me from both airlines. Other small touches that I like are hot towels (they give them out at the start of the flight) and amenity kits even in economy class. Plus, the food is great and the service impeccable, and even as an adult, both airlines are still my favorite.

All airlines have gone downhill since 9/11, bankruptcies, mergers/acquisitions, layoffs...you name it, they've been through it. Service isn't as it used to be, with hot meals on board, free headsets etc, there isn't much nowadays... Some airlines have introduced sandwiches that cost $5.00 on the plane and charging for drinks for shorter haul flights. There may be a handful of Airlines that still provide the service of hot food and a smile out there, as for example Harmony Airways, Ethiad Airways, and BA in Toronto, which fly trans atlantic routes. I can't speak for the rest, as I have not flown with them, but i'm sure they're more. Many of the domestic flights under 3-4 hours provide no frills service including their food, but that's just the way the airline industry needs to do to survive. Just my 2 cents.

[nanirina]

The best airline for you should be the one which you have status on.

[Axe50]

For coach

#1. NWA (Out of Narita hub) - new planes, good service & entertainment
#2. BA - newer planes, excellent service & entertainment (although crammed now and stingy baggage policies)
#3. Thai Air - service was unbelievable. Was on a 1hr flight from Bangkok to Phuket, in a newish 747, very clean, with entertainment and meal served.

For Business / First

#1. AA trans-pacific / atlantic. You can't beat the menu and service you get on this.
#2. Cathay Pacific - very comfortable.
#3. Eos Airlines (JFK->LON) Using 757's with 100% business class configuration, excellent food and service.

[skyblue12]

i flew on japan airlines a few years ago and i loved it :lol:

probably 'cause it was the only time i ever flew in the upper level and i had my own personal tv :p

though i kno more airlines have it now.

imo air canada isn't bad, i took it on a flight to HK and there was more space on it than other planes imo. then again i haven't tried that many airlines, so i can't say anything about the other airlines.

[HighFlyer]

The best airline for you should be the one which you have status on.
not necessarily. I have status on AC, but only out of convenience of keeping all of my credit card miles and star alliance flights in one account. If NZ or SQ (my preferred int'l carriers) offered a Canadian credit card, then I'd be off to them.

[Evil Techie]

Economy/Coach: AC (on the E75/E90 and XM'ed 763/320's)

Business Class: tie between British Airways and Air New Zealand

First Class: Singapore Airlines

agree with Singapore for first class
havent been on British Airways business and Air New Zealand business

but have u flown Malaysia's business?

as for economy, China Airline is pretty damn good nowadays, definately better than my AC experience
but of course not many people will be flying with China Airlines unless they are taiwanese

JAL's economy is decent too

[keunganator]

Cathay Pacific
Japan Airlines


+1

[Talamasca]

Among the many European discount airlines, I would single out Vueling Airlines based out of Barcelona, Spain. I was only on a short flight from Milan-Barcelona yet the plane was very new, had comfy seats, in-flight entertainment, and we were even served sandwiches and drinks. And all this at no extra charge. This is unheard of amongst these airlines!

[boneca]

KLM and Lufthansa

[jayk]

China Airlines, Cathay and Singapore were all awesome. They hire young well-dressed well-kempt waitresses not older unionized women.

Air Canada has old fogies that haven't been the nicest in my many flights in the past. Their CSR's are one of the rudest I've ever encountered, and they never sound enthusiastic (well, maybe 1 out of every 6 or 7), but when you go redeem miles on AC they sound like they don't wanna give em to you or are insulted at questions you ask them. British Airways didn't do that to me on the other hand.

Even the budget airlines in Europe have young waitresses who are so elegant and relaxed. But when you fly AC you can feel the stress and tension of the waitresses, and that vibe rubs on me too which I don't like.

[Talamasca]

Keeping with the theme of friendly air staff, I get a kick out of easyjet's flight attendants. Very casual yet professional. The company even lets the guys wear earrings and wear more "wild" hairstyles. You can just tell that these attendants drink like fish and party like there's no tomorrow whenever they land and have some free time.

[M.D.]

Japan Airlines

[trolleydolly]

China Airlines, Cathay and Singapore were all awesome. They hire young well-dressed well-kempt waitresses not older unionized women.

Air Canada has old fogies that haven't been the nicest in my many flights in the past. Their CSR's are one of the rudest I've ever encountered, and they never sound enthusiastic (well, maybe 1 out of every 6 or 7), but when you go redeem miles on AC they sound like they don't wanna give em to you or are insulted at questions you ask them. British Airways didn't do that to me on the other hand.

Even the budget airlines in Europe have young waitresses who are so elegant and relaxed. But when you fly AC you can feel the stress and tension of the waitresses, and that vibe rubs on me too which I don't like.

Their vibe rubs on you? You're the one calling them waitresses.

[Oilers]

air china
http://www.airchina.com.cn/ima/logo.gif

[seesaw]

China Airlines, Cathay and Singapore were all awesome. They hire young well-dressed well-kempt waitresses not older unionized women.

Air Canada has old fogies that haven't been the nicest in my many flights in the past. Their CSR's are one of the rudest I've ever encountered, and they never sound enthusiastic (well, maybe 1 out of every 6 or 7), but when you go redeem miles on AC they sound like they don't wanna give em to you or are insulted at questions you ask them. British Airways didn't do that to me on the other hand.

Even the budget airlines in Europe have young waitresses who are so elegant and relaxed. But when you fly AC you can feel the stress and tension of the waitresses, and that vibe rubs on me too which I don't like.


Calling a flight attendant a 'waitress', is like calling a chiropractor a masseuse.

First of all, their foremost function is to ensure your safety. I'm sure that in the case of an emergency evacuation, you'd probably feel a little better about having one of those experienced 'old fogies' working your flight.

Secondly, flight attendants are trained professionals, and not there simply to serve as eye candy. It's an incredibly competitive process to become a flight attendant. Especially here in Canada, most flight attendants are ridiculously educated. The majority of flight attendants these days have at least an undergraduate degee, and it is not rare at all for one of these 'waitresses' you speak of, to have a masters degree or more.

So on your next flight, if you call your flight attendant a 'waitress' and the only response you receive is 'stress and tension', consider yourself lucky. Most flight attendants would find that just cause to run over your foot a few extra times with those trolleys of theirs.

[Neovingian]

Jet Blue!...anyone?

[Anessa]

Emirates :)

[skanji]

emirates. for those who say air canada, i feel bad for ya!

[NorthYorker]

KLM, although it has it's weaknesses too. El Al is very good, but their security procedures can turn one into zombie in no time (not that I blame them for that). Lufthansa is OK too. And I rate AC just a tiny bit above Aeroflot.

[charliebrown]

KLM, although it has it's weaknesses too. El Al is very good, but their security procedures can turn one into zombie in no time (not that I blame them for that). Lufthansa is OK too. And I rate AC just a tiny bit above Aeroflot.

AC business class >> Aeroflot business class

although i wouldnt put AC in the same league as emirates, cathay, singapore air...the A345s used by AC are nice, but lacks the classiness & service of the above airlines (the non-A345 business class...well, no flat-bed!)

coach on AC is not bad in terms of space; much better than UA (i've been told seats are even roomier than CX...have to fly CX to comment)

[Evil Techie]

air china
http://www.airchina.com.cn/ima/logo.gif

AHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
too funny

[HighFlyer]

although i wouldnt put AC in the same league as emirates, cathay, singapore air...the A345s used by AC are nice, but lacks the classiness & service of the above airlines (the non-A345 business class...well, no flat-bed!)
some of AC's 763's have been XM refurbished with flat beds in J. I think there are 4 of them circulating around.

coach on AC is not bad in terms of space; much better than UA (i've been told seats are even roomier than CX...have to fly CX to comment)
Agreed. AC Y is quite comfortable (if you can call it that :cheesygri ).... certainly beats BA & CX.

[jayk]

Calling a flight attendant a 'waitress', is like calling a chiropractor a masseuse.

First of all, their foremost function is to ensure your safety. I'm sure that in the case of an emergency evacuation, you'd probably feel a little better about having one of those experienced 'old fogies' working your flight.

Secondly, flight attendants are trained professionals, and not there simply to serve as eye candy. It's an incredibly competitive process to become a flight attendant. Especially here in Canada, most flight attendants are ridiculously educated. The majority of flight attendants these days have at least an undergraduate degee, and it is not rare at all for one of these 'waitresses' you speak of, to have a masters degree or more.

So on your next flight, if you call your flight attendant a 'waitress' and the only response you receive is 'stress and tension', consider yourself lucky. Most flight attendants would find that just cause to run over your foot a few extra times with those trolleys of theirs.

whoops didn't mean to use the word waitress, LOL. I'm obviously not an English major. I just read my post again and realized I typed the wrong word in. BTW caused such a cawfuffle :D

[NorthYorker]

AC business class >> Aeroflot business class I was talking about coach only. I don't travel on my employer's tab, so business class is out of range of options for me. BTW, any personal experience with Aeroflot business class? I flew with them once or twice inside Russia (when I was traveling on employer's tab) and they were pretty good by that time's (pre-LCD screens) standards. Caviar, bubbles, girls in mini skirts etc.

[charliebrown]

I was talking about coach only. I don't travel on my employer's tab, so business class is out of range of options for me. BTW, any personal experience with Aeroflot business class? I flew with them once or twice inside Russia (when I was traveling on employer's tab) and they were pretty good by that time's (pre-LCD screens) standards. Caviar, bubbles, girls in mini skirts etc.

Aeroflot business is ok (based on a Frankfurt-Moscow flight) nothing extraordinary...they have fairly new airbuses flying that route.

Siberia Airlines (actually using russian built tupolevs) was quite an adventure :)

[any007]

none of the north american airlines

[NorthYorker]

Siberia Airlines (actually using russian built tupolevs) was quite an adventure :) That's because those Tupolevs are 1960 technology, most likely 20-30 years old and had to be replaced 20 years ago. Soviet aircraft industry developed replacement model in early 1980-s and all Tu-154 (model you most likely flew) had to be replaced by early 1990-s. Well, this little thing called SU collapse got in the way so now, not having access to credit, they're just abusing existing fleet as hard as they can. Fortunately those old Tupolevs can stand tons of abuse, although it doesn't make them more comfortable.