Your Top 3 Airlines... and why?

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Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 6,503

There are lots of people on this forum who fly very regularly and with a wide range of airlines, too. Perhaps we can all share the three airlines we all rate very highly and give reasons for why we like them so much. Here's mine:

3rd Place: British Airways
I've never tried British Airways on long haul, but their short haul and domestic services I have tried many times and loved every one. They've taken me to two destinations in the UK; Manchester and Edinburgh from Gatwick and Heathrow and they've taken me to a few destinations in Europe, too; Budapest, Barcelona, Bologna and Paris (next month). I think I like them because I travel from Heathrow most of the time, a hub for British Airways, so the many members of ground staff are excellent. Inflight, the crew have always been professional and friendly, even providing an almost-personal service on one empty flight last year. All of the flights have been bang on-time and the inflight snacks and good choice of beverages are a nice touch, too.

2nd Place: Thai Airways
Just pipped to the post, Thai Airways comes second, just missing out on first place. I've flown with them four times, always on the 747-400. Everything about the airline is very impressive, most noticeable just how comfortable their economy cabin is. Masses of legroom mean that you can really relax on any long-haul flight. And Thai was the best airline for its economy class catering. The food with Thai is definitely a good enough reason to choose them because its certainly not a typical portion of 'plane food'.

1st Place: Virgin Atlantic
Okay, so only one return flight with Virgin Atlantic and suddenly they become my favourite airline. The ground service at Heathrow is like British Airways - very swift. What I also like on the ground is that Virgin go out of their way to ensure that you don't get monkeys who try to smuggle ridiculous loads of hand baggage onto the aircraft, meaning that there is space in the lockers for everyone when on board. In terms of comfort, they're not the best, especially not in economy. I've never been so uncomfortable on a flight. Sleeping upright is always difficult, but its even more difficult with Virgin when you're sat in a seat which doesn't recline as much as other airline seats do (or is that just me)? And the amazing V-Port entertainment system and a whopping 9" TV screen is a good enough reason to choose Virgin Atlantic, too. Hundreds of hours of video and music on demand. And if you don't speak English, Virgin seem to employ staff native to the country you are travelling to and from. They are a great addition. Even on flights to Spain in the past, I've heard airlines actually playing recordings to Spanish passengers because not a single member of the crew speaks a word of Spanish!

Original post

Member for

20 years 1 month

Posts: 4,255

3rd Place : Easyjet

As my most used loco, i've never enountered major problems with them. always when my flights have been changed, they have notified me via e-mail, and if the times are inconvenient to me, they don't mind changing it free-of-charge. They offer the "main" destinations that i enjoy in Europe, and all from me geographically nearest airport, Liverpool

2nd place : bmi LONG-HAUL

Won't bother talking about the s/h product, but their long-haul product is second to none tranatlantic wise. I look back at those flights on WWBB as the best ever tased over the pond, and i've flown 4 airlines across the pond, excluding bmi. The food, entertainment, cabin crew, and comfort madw it worthwhile for me. I'm looking forward to going back to ORD with them in the summer, just i don't hope that the 767 will operate on the day i fly :p

1st Place : SWISS

Just like Michael, i'm not puting my lastet airline in No.1, just because it was my favourite flights of 2005. I'd flown Swiss in 2004 too, and i've got to say their product, since the LH merge, has been impeccable. On the A343's i got, i recieved a service which made me feel welcome, food that actually had a taste to it, entertainment that i could watch whenever i felt like, and staff that knew i was an 18 year old, a long way from home, all on my own (Get that violin out :D ). The A343 was comfortable enough for me to grap more than 9 hours sleep both ways, which helped!

I have a number of new airlines this year, to try, or just have tried, Air Berlin, Euromanx and Aer Arann last week, with Zoom, Air Canada, and Ted to come in the next few months, and i've still not decided on a carrier to take me back to Hong Kong in September, but BA are in the lead at the moment!

Member for

21 years

Posts: 4,209

Third Place: Easyjet

They do what they say on the tin, get you to and from where you want to go for cheap. Ryanair do the cheap bit, but never to where I really want to go. Cabin crew are always very good as well, however they still use slightly more remote airports than other rivals, particularly BFS instead of BHD in Belfast. Couple that with very uncomfortable new A319s, and BA and FlyBe both still come ahead.

Second Place: British Airways

Not flown with them for some time now as I've not had much chance to go into Europe, but consistently high levels of service always keep them high on my list of airlines. They are first on my list for price comparisons, but rarely work out too well for me as a student.

First Place: FlyBe

I've flown FlyBe more than I have any other airline, and also flown in the Q400 more times than any other aircraft type. They are consistently reliable, and cheap prices can nearly always be found. The best thing about them is they really do go exactly where I want to go. Their internal UK services are second to none, and are extremely useful for business and pleasure. Because of this they seem to be doing very well, with strong loads on most of the flights I travel on. Long may it continue.

Member for

19 years 8 months

Posts: 1,953

I'm gonna do it slightly differently (typical! :rolleyes: ), but here's my three selections:

Preferred Defunct Airline - There is only one choice in my mind in this category - Duo Airways - and it saddens me greatly that this airline nolonger exists. I used to use Duo regularly to fly from BHX to GVA (and on occasion to CPH) and whilst it could be argued that their equipment wasn't ideal - I actually rather liked the CR7 though - the service was exemplary, the staff were fantastic, and they provided a NICE full hot mail and bar service on every flight. Great stuff - if only there were other airlines like that. If Duo still existed as it did, they would be my number one airline, full stop.

Preferred UK/European Short-haul Airline - Many candidates here - at one time it would have been British Midland (note, I mean British Midland as in "Diamond Service - I don't mean bmi), or indeed the aforementioned Duo. BA is good if you're sat up front, and fair down the back too - sadly, as I mainly fly from BHX I fear for BA now they're going "Connect". Lufthansa are fairly good up front, but for a "full-service" airline their back cabin can be pretty grim, especially on mainline although their regional operators are better - their lounges aren't bad either. I've used Air France, Alitalia, TAP and Scando a few times too - same comments as LH applies. However, the European short-haul airline I've travelled in the last couple of years that I like best is SN Brussels Air - for an Avro operator they do pretty well (only five across, unlike BA and AF), and their service is better than the others too.

Preferred Long-haul Airline(s) - Many candidates again, and airlines like Emirates must come into consideration, and although the IFE on their 777-300ERs is amazing and service is excellent neither their economy or business class products are what you would call groundbreaking these days. Singapore is excellent, especially in Raffles, although I found the main cabin is rather restricted for pitch. Air France and Lufty both have excellent long-haul business products, AF particularly so, but I have not tried their long haul economy. I do NOT rate Virgin or BA at all, especially in the main cabin. I like Cathay Pacific, period - good food, good IFE and foot rests even in economy. I like bmi long haul - the Business IS THE BUSINESS, their economy cabin is not bad but I will not fly them in this cabin anymore they've gone down the "pay for bar" route, and their premium economy product is crap in comparison to VS PE or BA WT+. Finally, for trans-Atlantic economy travel I like United :eek: Main reasons - seat back IFE on all but the 744s, and they have "economy plus" seating which has an extra 4" leg room over standard economy which is available FREE of charge to anyway in their (or another Star Alliance) frequent flyer program, and this above all else makes UA a better proposition in my opinion than any other transAtlantic carrier in economy.

Andy

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 4,213

Third Best - easyJet
easyJet are really the only airline that offers a decent variety of flights from Northern Ireland so its a pretty much cert they will feature highly in my list. Ok ive had problems but my family have had worse but ive never had any bad service from easyJet staff and the flights have always been spot on. Its only been ground agents etc that have been problems. The A319 has elluded me but not for much longer!

Second Best - bmi
Never had a single from bmi other than on the A321s the seatbelt length varies from seat to seat! It was really tight on me on 10B on MIDK then I moved to 9D to get more leg room and I had over 2 inches of excess length on the belt!! The Bacon Rolls onboard are pricy at £3.00 but they taste lovely plus I can collect points and if my dads flying as well go business with him and use Gold Lounges (which are fantastic!)

First Best - Lufthansa
Ive flown with Luffy on LHR-FRA a few times and also on FRA-JFK. All the flights with them have been absolutly fantastic! Their Long Haul Business product is absolutly fantastic but their shorthaul product in economy and business is equally popular for the price you are paying. Would recomend Luffy (but NOT Eurowings Op Flights) to anyone!

(Worst Ever) United (and that was Business!), Eurowings, Bmi Baby, Ryanair, Flybe, British Airways, Eurocypria, Airtours, Gill Airways, Jet2 (Enjoyable)

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 2,343

Here are my choices...

Third Best - First Choice Airways

I remember flying with this airline when it was called Air 2000, and it had the dreadful red and gold livery, and the service back then was not too good either, but they seemed to of transformed themselves over the last few years, and I had the pleasure of in-directly working for them (through a ground handling agency at LGW!) and really enjoyed it! Have flown with them on numerous occasions, and would recommend them to anyone!

Second Best - JetBlue Airways

Haven't had the experience of flying with them, but would certainly consider it if I had to travel cross-states. And just from looking in Feb's issue of Airliner World, they seem to be an airline with the most common sense - giving passengers a high quality service for a value for money price, why don't LCC in UK/Europe offer this?

First Best - :D VIRGIN ATLANTIC :D

Simply because I recently flew with BA Nov last year, and it was bloody awful, and so if I had to choose another transatlantic airline, VS has got my vote!

Member for

20 years 7 months

Posts: 2,623

Third Best - Thompson

Because My missus works for them :D, and we have had some great flights to Europe with them

Second Best - British Airways

Fantastic Long Haul service to Australia, Hosties are generally good looking which gives you something to look at on a 22hr flight :D , and they look after you and overload you with food, aircraft are always well maintained and above all they are English so I have to support them

First Place - Qantas

Again fantastic long haul service, similar to BA but minus the hosties because they're mainly blokes HAHA, on their domestic services the legroom in economy is fantastic, we took a 734 service from SYD-BNE 2 years ago and we had so muc room we couldn't touch the seat in front whilst sat back with arms outstretched.

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 7,536

Third Place: Jet Airways:- Not many of you would have tried this brand, but from the good amount of airlines i have tried this Indian carrier stands tall than most of them. They offer a world class cabin crew and a world class service. The warmth and the ambience they create on there relatively new fleet is astounding.

Second Place: SAS:- Probably an unlikely name in most peoples list but this airline offers a great service. I have not travelled with them for some time now but when i used to (on there CPH-DEL service), it used to be fantastic 7 hours to Europe.

First Place: Singapore Airlines:- My favourite airline, and it has been since i travelled with them back in 1999. Great fleet, comfortable seats (most comfortable cattle class i have experienced) and fine in-flight experience. Absolutely great.

Member for

20 years 10 months

Posts: 9,401

Hmm, an interesting thread, i've only ever flown locos and charters, with the exception of bmi who were no frills when I travelled with them anyway.

Third Place - FlyBe

Ok, only one flight, but the Dash 8 Q400 was a superb aircraft, the cabin was very tidy and modern, great crew (Great to look at as well ;)), and the flight was bang on time.

Second place - Jet2

Im sure you all expected this airline to be my favourite, they are great, always been on time when I have flown them (5 flights - G-CELS/U/V/X), very tidy cabins, great crew and good prices!

First place - Britannia Airways/Thomsonfly

I know Thomsonfly aren't that brilliant anymore with regards to in flight service, but I have flown with Britannia/Thomsonfly 15 times on a mixture of aircraft (Boeing 737-800, 757-200, 767-200, A320), and have only been delayed once. I have always found the interiors very tidy, the crew in the main have been great, and back when they used to offer meals etc, these were very agreeable.

Of the other airlines I have flown with, Ryanair have also always been fine, First Choice were very good, bmi were just average with expensive fares, Monarch back when I flew with them were good the first time, and crap the second time, and I have also flown with Air Europa and Air Atlanta once, and these were very good, though both flights were along time ago (1997-1998), and both were on aircraft the airlines no longer operate (AEA-752, EUK-L1011).

Member for

19 years 10 months

Posts: 624

3rd place: For me it would be BMI. Ive flown them many a time from ABZ to MAN, and LHR. There aircraft were clean, efficient and they were on time (even early). Seats were comfortably, and they have these lovely cheesy snacks!

2nd place: 2nd place for me has to be GB airways. Flown them from LGW to AGP and FAO. Cabin crew are very polite and friendly. There aircraft are modern, leather seats are extremely comfortable and have in general have never had any problems with them. ( I have to say that they have one of the best inflight meals I have ever had: lovely pizza fingers!)

1st place: First place for me has to be Lufthansa. Had a lovely set of flights with them from EDI - FRA, then FRA - FAO and return. It is the only airline that I have been on that gave me the option of what meal I wanted in advance, to ensure that I got it. Also there main meal is lovely - Cheese and tomato pasta thing. Also there crew can have a right laugh with you, unlike some airlines i've been on before and crew have been like programmed robots!!

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 459

3rd Place - Britannia Airways - (Not Thomsonfly!)

I traveled with BY many times in the past without a probelm fantastic hotels, flights and service, i travelled to PMI & SFB alot with them and never had a problem, then TUI took over and downgraded!

2nd Place - First Choice Airways

Now this charter airline is a great and fabulous airline, the flights are great, locations i didnt even know about, if you asked me about 1 and half ago where Funchal was you'd get a blank face, and i went there and i love it! its great! and then to top that we travelled to Menorca in august and what a place! crystal clear blue seas and fish swimming around you hot weather! wat more could you ask for!?

1st Place - Virgin Atlantic

I Absouletly love this airline its has everything a family wants, fantastic flights & times and aswell as great service, food and you even get your own bag wow, perfect for travelling around all them theme parks in MCO and im off with them again in March, Brill!

Jon

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 1,940

It is hard to find three top airlines, as I only fly with one regularly :D But I shall add my own slant to this:

Favourite of All Time The one and only Sabena. Great service, friendly professional crews, nice aircraft which were comfortable and clean. Pleasant in flight snacks.

Current Favourite SN Brussels Airlines - nice aircraft, friendly crews, and I just love that logo on the tail - brings tears to the eyes!

Another Favourite VLM. I like the Fokker 50, their crews are professional and pleasant, the inflight food is good and I love flying from LCY. If ever I couldn't get flights on SNBA then I would fly with VLM.

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 1,289

3rd place - Virgin Atlantic

I haven't flown them for a few years but I remember them being very friendly when I did in 01 from LGW-MCO and back (on a 742 :D). They had great sevice and excellent food and entertainment.

2nd place - British Airways

I went to Australia with them a few years ago and absolutely loved it! :D The cabin crew were very friendly and were always offering snacks throughout the whole flight(s). Food once again was excellent, as was the entertainment. During our trip to New Zealand we flew Qantas, and I have to say I didn't like them. The crew weren't as friendly and the food wasn't as nice either. Neither was the entertainment-no PTVs on the trip to London. 14hrs is a long time without decent entertainment when it's pitch black ourside! We were all hoping there would be a change and we would fly BA home instead.

1st place - First Choice Airways

I flew them earlier this year and Iit was my best experience ever! The crew were extremely friendly and were always up for a laugh with the passengers, and were more than happy to help if you had any problems. The food was the best I've ever had on a plane. I can't comment on the entertainment because I couldn't be bothered to purchase headphones when the flight was just four hours, but it looks excellent for their new long-haul look (I'll have a try when I fly them next year :D - I can't wait!)

Member for

18 years 7 months

Posts: 114

My top 3


3rd place: easyJet

This got to my top 3 as the cabin crew of the airline on many of the routes i travelled on were very pleasant, down to earth, and kind towards passangers. For this reason easyJet gets 3rd place, and i have no doubt its the best if not worldwide, but european no-frills airline.

2nd place: KLM
For a european airline i feel that KLM is a good one. It is reliable, on-time, and has the standards of a European airline of today. Though some of its crew may improve in customer service, the airline is easy to use through the internet and has good check-in and ground services in most european and intercontinental airports, especially Schiphol.

1st place!!!: British Airways

For the list of top 1, BA must be the best! Its crew both in the air and on the ground are efficient, friendly and welcoming. The airline is reliable, on-time and gives the passengers a warm and welcoming feeling when on-board and so i rank this as my favorite airline!!

Member for

18 years 2 months

Posts: 24

3rd Place: Delta, because of their service in comparison to some othe airlines in the US.

2nd Place: Aer Lingus, because that is what I fly when I go to Europe.

1st Place: Continental, for the same reason as Delta their service in The States is unrivaled.

Even though this isn't part of the question but,

Last place goes to the Domestic operations of Northwest. their international flights are barable but the domestice flights are unbelievable.

Member for

18 years 2 months

Posts: 3

1st Place: LTU, because they fly directly to Ft. Myers
2nd Place: SAS, because I liked the entertainment system and the food.
I flew it last year to Chicago.
3rd Place: Air France, it was a long time ago but I can remember that the food and the service was good.

Member for

18 years 3 months

Posts: 1,645

3. Singapore Airlines

The onbboard services are unbeatable. I flew with them a few times on long haul, and they certainly didn't fail to impress. Overall, very good, and exactly what's expected of a top rank airline.

2. Alitalia

Onboard services were pretty damn good, as was punctuality. Their aircraft were all top class. Very good value for money in my opinion.

1. Royal Jordanian

Onboard facilities were first class, just brilliant. Their aircraft were fantastic, even those old A310's. Customer service was alright, value for money 9/10. Overall 9. :D