I will be making a trip across Europe this summer and will be flying into and from London (Heathrow). Looking at tickets/carriers, there are several options and price ranges. To the frequent travelers, are there any carriers that you would recommend or advise against? American, Delta, US Airways, Virgin Atlantic (limited availability), Continental, United?

 

I advise against American and US Airways. From my experience, they never leave on time, planes are old and cabins have BO smell.

I have not flown on Virgin Atlantic, but my family has flown with them through Heathrow and had good things to say.

Are you flying coach?

What about British Airways?

 

Flying coach, I'm on a student budget. BA is a possibility, I will actually be flying with them later on in the trip across France. I'd really like to try Virgin Atlantic, BUT the flights they have scheduled aren't at the best times for what I need.

 

I'm traveling in a couple weeks as well. Going to Cote D'Azur from Los Angeles (with stopover at JFK) with Delta. And then taking Emirates to Dubai and then to Tehran. And then from Tehran back to L.A. with KLM (with stopover in Schipol). If I booked it any other way, either the layovers were ridiculous or the airfare was insane. Would've preferred Lufthansa to Delta and KLM, but I would've been out an extra thousand bucks! Forget that.

Anyway, good luck and safe travels!

 

Are frequent flyer miles, or perks based on status, important/relevant to you?

 

I also advise against American and United. Older planes and American is notorious for losing baggage. I would choose Virgin Atlantic or British Airways. You could also look into Etihad and Emirates. I think they usually make stops at Heathrow on the way to UAE.

 

I've have a lot of experience flying international in coach. Into London my recommendations are:

Emirates
Etidad
BA
KLM
Lufthansa
Virgin
Swiss

Stay away from the following if possible:
US Air
Delta
United
American
Lingus
Alitalia

 

I always liked BA and Virgin.

 

I also would not go with American or United. Stick with Delta, BA, or Virgin.

 

Not at all.

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated!

ZAMIRZ, sounds like a nice trip - post up some photos when you're back!