Author Topic: Which Airline? (Read 115207 times)

SMD · « **Reply #160 on:** January 26, 2011, 01:48:05 pm »

Everywhere outside Europe does free Wifi it seems.

CHOPPER · « **Reply #161 on:** January 26, 2011, 01:49:47 pm »

Quote from: SMD on January 26, 2011, 01:48:05 pm

Everywhere outside Europe does free Wifi it seems.

They also do famine, disease and starvation as well.

SMD · « **Reply #162 on:** January 26, 2011, 01:51:16 pm »

Quote from: CHOPPER on January 26, 2011, 01:49:47 pm

They also do famine, disease and starvation as well.

Yeah but they can tweet about it for free.

CHOPPER · « **Reply #163 on:** January 26, 2011, 01:52:12 pm »

Quote from: SMD on January 26, 2011, 01:51:16 pm

Yeah but they can tweet about it for free.

Cool.

Sabbi yypia · « **Reply #164 on:** January 26, 2011, 02:37:16 pm »

Quote from: lfsea on January 18, 2011, 11:09:00 pm

Uzbekistan Airways, with a change @ Tashkent. Anyone got any experiences??

Dont do it, seriously, was the WORST change over of my entire life. The plane was awful, Tashkent changeover was dreadful, was late evening and everything was shut, no seats and were just left in some cramped room to sit on the floor, no food/drinks on changeover and nowhere to pee.

It was a few years ago and late at night but i will never want to wish that on anyone!

Livbes · « **Reply #165 on:** January 26, 2011, 04:07:04 pm »

In Charlotte, Christ what a hairy flight. Weather is not great, hopefully a bit better down in Florida ; )

SMD · « **Reply #166 on:** May 29, 2011, 11:45:14 pm »

You pampered woman.

eAyeAddio · « **Reply #167 on:** June 1, 2011, 04:42:27 am »

Quote from: lfsea on January 13, 2011, 07:11:37 pm

.... Cuts 24 hours off the total journey time, and there's hardly anything left direct......

Don't confuse direct flights with non-stop. They aren't the same thing.

Livbes · « **Reply #168 on:** June 1, 2011, 10:06:57 am »

Going to Saudi from Manc in 3 wks. KLM or Qatar airways?

Mad Men · « **Reply #169 on:** June 1, 2011, 10:10:17 am »

Quote from: Livbes on June 1, 2011, 10:06:57 am

Going to Saudi from Manc in 3 wks. KLM or Qatar airways?

Qatar Airways.

Livbes · « **Reply #170 on:** June 1, 2011, 10:16:50 am »

But do they serve booze? I'm there for 9 days so will defo need a drink before the detox

Mad Men · « **Reply #171 on:** June 1, 2011, 10:25:20 am »

Quote from: Livbes on June 1, 2011, 10:16:50 am

But do they serve booze? I'm there for 9 days so will defo need a drink before the detox

Qatar Airways? Yeap but I know up to Qatar. I assume you will be on transit in Qatar before flying on to Saudi...which they MAY NOT offer alcohol (the last leg).

Livbes · « **Reply #172 on:** June 1, 2011, 10:32:34 am »

Quote from: Mad Men on June 1, 2011, 10:25:20 am

Qatar Airways? Yeap but I know up to Qatar. I assume you will be on transit in Qatar before flying on to Saudi...which they MAY NOT offer alcohol (the last leg).

Yep. Excellent cheers for the advice.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #173 on:** June 2, 2011, 08:08:10 am »

KLM do have fitter trolly dollys though.

Seriously though having flown with both a few times they're both pretty good. If I have to endure a long stop I always make sure it's in A'dam and not Doha airport where there is fuck all to do except see how long you can stay in that god awful smoking room before fainting. And yeah, there won't be booze on the last leg to saudi, but that's not much of a flight, timewise. Qatar do those spicy lamb roll things though which are tasty.

flashman · « **Reply #174 on:** June 2, 2011, 10:59:03 am »

Quote from: CheshireDave on June 2, 2011, 08:08:10 am

If I have to endure a long stop I always make sure it's in A'dam and not Doha airport where there is fuck all to do except see how long you can stay in that god awful smoking room before fainting.

True, its horrendous, the smoking room in the Etihad lounge at Abu Dhabu is really nice, leather seats, drink in hand, good a/c

Mad Men · « **Reply #175 on:** June 2, 2011, 11:13:13 am »

Quote from: flashman on June 2, 2011, 10:59:03 am

True, its horrendous, the smoking room in the Etihad lounge at Abu Dhabu is really nice, leather seats, drink in hand, good a/c

But have you seen the "smoking" sections? It's really one of a kind...lol..pexi-glass..chest height...with the area open above the chest so..the smoke/smell gets out. Don't quite understand the logic of that really.

One of the reasons we are giving it a miss on our trip back home to scouse-land this October..we're doing a lay over in Kuala Lumpur and hopping on an Air Asia plane straight out to the UK...no lay overs or transits. And all or 1200 quid for the 4 of us out of Perth return.

flashman · « **Reply #176 on:** June 2, 2011, 11:18:47 am »

Quote from: Mad Men on June 2, 2011, 11:13:13 am

But have you seen the "smoking" sections? It's really one of a kind...lol..pexi-glass..chest height...with the area open above the chest so..the smoke/smell gets out. Don't quite understand the logic of that really.

wheres that? sounds pretty useless
The one in Doha is really hot and, well smoky, singapore has a nice outside area, my personal fave.

Livbes · « **Reply #177 on:** June 2, 2011, 12:26:50 pm »

About the same, 3hrs in Amsterdam with KLM or 3 in Doha with Qatar.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #178 on:** June 2, 2011, 12:32:14 pm »

You'll be bored after 3 minutes in Doha. Least in Amsterdam you could go and get a hooker and a joint or a couple of beers or whatever floats your boat. Probably best you avoid the weed though just incase with your last stop being Saudi and all.

Re smoking area, i wish everywhere just had a pub which you can get a half decent beer in and smoke all you like. Like that Irish style pub at Dubai down the far end of the terminal.

Livbes · « **Reply #179 on:** June 2, 2011, 12:45:01 pm »

Not into smoking anything, would not say no to a bash with a brass though

StevenLFC · « **Reply #180 on:** June 3, 2011, 02:19:22 am »

Just flown to & from America with Virgin Atlantic & both flights were excellent. Comfort, helpful (& a couple of fit) hostesses, great service at the airports, an individual tv with tonnes of movies, TV shows, games and music, plus decent food & drink too. Would definitely reccomend them to anybody.

CheshireDave · « **Reply #181 on:** August 12, 2011, 12:07:22 pm »

I did not think Kingfisher fly to Manchester (Heathrow only in UK, but I might be wrong). Anyway, flown with them once, from London to Thailand via Mumbai with them and personally thought they were great. No real problems with them at all.

Have a look here - http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/kingfisher.htm - for some more reviews if you like.

SMD · « **Reply #182 on:** August 12, 2011, 02:07:54 pm »

Quote from: Rhi on August 12, 2011, 11:45:39 am

Has anyone here every flown with Kingfisher Airlines? I'm trying to book a flight for my Dad. He needs to go from Hong Kong (or perhaps Shanghai, but I think HK is his preference) to Mumbai, then back to Manchester (or London if he has to). Found a very reasonable flight with Kingfisher - £375. The other alternative is HK to Mumbai with Kingfisher, then on to Manchester (1 stop) with Emirates - £650. Just wondering if anyone has any experience of Kingfisher for a long-haul flight. My Dad is getting on a bit now (sorry Dad ), and I don't want to put him on a shit plane for 10 hours or whatever it is.

Cheers!

I did a quick search and Kingfisher are the cheapest but Jet are also fairly reasonable...ish depending on your dates.

I've heard of Kingfisher and I don't think they're bad, never flown on them though.

Carllfc · « **Reply #183 on:** August 12, 2011, 02:34:46 pm »

Just been on Etihad to Australia and back. Very good value airline but the airport needs more shops theres hardly anything there.

Mad Men · « **Reply #184 on:** August 12, 2011, 03:13:48 pm »

Never personally flown on Kingfisher but keep hearing good things about it.

Emirates is proven and class. Good food as well and good service.

MidwestWool · « **Reply #185 on:** August 12, 2011, 03:31:45 pm »

Not flown internationally with Kingfisher, but they have excellent service on domestic flights, and I'd like to think it would be even better for their international sectors. Their CS is fantastic too, and if you father faces any problems or has any complaints, their CS will sort it for you.

A few years ago, my dad's Kingfisher flight was delayed and they were lodging all passengers at some hotel, which my dad wasn't a big fan of. He went and booked himself in a better hotel and paid for it. When he got home, he emailed Kingfisher his bill from the hotel, along with the reason why he didn't stay there. They took a few days, got back to my dad and gave him a refund for the hotel stay.

They're very particular about their image so I would imagine them being very good on their international sectors.

Oh, and Emirates are class, like mentioned above. One of the best airlines I've flown on.

Effes · « **Reply #186 on:** August 12, 2011, 04:06:49 pm »

I thought Emirates was a bit scabby to be honest.

bahrainexpat · « **Reply #187 on:** August 12, 2011, 07:40:22 pm »

Emirates are on the slide compared to what they were a couple of years ago. Qatar Airways are far better, and Etihad have probably passed them as well. Never under any circumstances fly Gulf Air.

As for Kingfisher, bollywood babe cabin crew.

masch · « **Reply #188 on:** August 12, 2011, 10:32:24 pm »

Quote from: bahrainexpat on August 12, 2011, 07:40:22 pm

Emirates are on the slide compared to what they were a couple of years ago. Qatar Airways are far better, and Etihad have probably passed them as well. Never under any circumstances fly Gulf Air.

As for Kingfisher, bollywood babe cabin crew.

Really? Have been on Gulf Air a few times from LHR to BAH and never had any problems. Food wasn't amazing I guess and the "Gulf Air music" is atrocious. Not as nice as Etihad either obviously but not bad.

Also worth pointing out that Emirates, Qatar, Etihad etc all have the advantage of being effective loss-leaders for their countries. The sheikhs just throw money at those airlines and don't care about profits.

Have got a 17 hour trip with Air France coming up in a month or so - anyone got any opinions?

DanFromMars · « **Reply #189 on:** August 12, 2011, 11:15:38 pm »

B.A gave me rotten eggs for breakfast, the top of the scrambled egg was yellow and as I tucked in it had a black core...

I've had better ones at the cheapest greasy spoon but wasn't really looking until I had some in my mouth. 2 hours later on a bus through Hong Kong my stomach started cramping up. When I got to the hostel I was shitting for an hour. Didn't feel like eating for 2 days. thanks B.A you ruined the first 3 days of my holiday. Oh yeah and the seats are like 30 years old, fucking grimey and worn out.

Flew Emirates on the way back and the contrast in quality was rediculous. Cool 15" screens (B.A had lots of beeb comedy, their only pointer) and top quality food, good service and generally nice all round.

Never flying B.A again if I can avoid them. Trying Quantas and Swiss Air soon though.

Mad Men · « **Reply #190 on:** August 13, 2011, 12:04:55 am »

Airlines with top ratings: Singapore Airlibes, Malaysia Airlines, Eithad, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Kingfisher, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific

Airlines that are decent but dont expect much from but will get you there: Air Asia X, Quantas, Royal Brunei, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, United, ANA, JAL, Tiger Airways, Jetstar, Royal Nepal Airlines, Korean Airlines and ever other airline from China.

Airlines to avoid like the plague: Air India, PAL, British Airways and every other American airline.

Can't comment about South African or South American airlines as I haven't flown on them before.

Guz-kop · « **Reply #191 on:** August 13, 2011, 01:01:53 am »

Quote from: DanFromMars on August 12, 2011, 11:15:38 pm

B.A gave me rotten eggs for breakfast, the top of the scrambled egg was yellow and as I tucked in it had a black core...

I've had better ones at the cheapest greasy spoon but wasn't really looking until I had some in my mouth. 2 hours later on a bus through Hong Kong my stomach started cramping up. When I got to the hostel I was shitting for an hour. Didn't feel like eating for 2 days. thanks B.A you ruined the first 3 days of my holiday. Oh yeah and the seats are like 30 years old, fucking grimey and worn out.

Flew Emirates on the way back and the contrast in quality was rediculous. Cool 15" screens (B.A had lots of beeb comedy, their only pointer) and top quality food, good service and generally nice all round.

Never flying B.A again if I can avoid them. Trying Quantas and Swiss Air soon though.

Flew BA to India a month ago and of the four meals I had (there and back) one was ok. The other three were absolutely disgusting and in all honesty I usually hoover up airline food because i'm so hungry. Took one bite and left them well alone this time.

Gone with emirates for October, via Dubai

Willi · « **Reply #192 on:** August 13, 2011, 01:27:23 am »

often have to change planes flying to Britain from Germany, I find Amsterdam really easy, Paris is fucking awful, Brussels the one time was good

Mad Men · « **Reply #193 on:** August 13, 2011, 01:30:48 am »

Quote from: Willi on August 13, 2011, 01:27:23 am

often have to change planes flying to Britain from Germany, I find Amsterdam really easy, Paris is fucking awful, Brussels the one time was good

Haven't been out of De Gaulle in years..but not surprised with the awful comment...

eAyeAddio · « **Reply #194 on:** August 13, 2011, 02:04:42 am »

Quote from: Rhi on August 12, 2011, 07:09:38 pm

....----- - it's not direct to Manchester, there was 1 stop.

....

Just so you know, in airline-speak a direct flight is not necessarily a non-stop flight.

A direct flight simply means that you don't have to change planes en route.. :-)

DanFromMars · « **Reply #195 on:** August 13, 2011, 02:36:56 am »

Quote from: Guz-kop on August 13, 2011, 01:01:53 am

Flew BA to India a month ago and of the four meals I had (there and back) one was ok. The other three were absolutely disgusting and in all honesty I usually hoover up airline food because i'm so hungry. Took one bite and left them well alone this time.

Yup. I was on a 12 hour London->HK and hadn't really eaten for the 7-8 hours leading up to getting on the plane so when they asked me if I wanted a gool ol' full english I thought bring it on.... the sasuage made a chippy one look gourmet, cheap fatty bacon, dried tomato slice and burnt mushrooms.... and of course the black egg I mistakenly took 2-3 bites into thinking initally a mushroom was in the middle... urg

penfold102 · « **Reply #196 on:** August 17, 2011, 01:15:19 pm »

So on the 28th I'll be flying from Tokyo to London. The flight prices were absolutely ridiculous (I'm flying one-way) so the cheapest one I could find was with Singapore Airlines via Changi Airport. Problem is, it's gonna take 26 hours in total and I bloody hate flying. Anyway, a bit of advice. I have a 6 hour stopover in Singapore and I've never been before. Is it worth leaving the airport for a wander? I arrive at 6:30am but if anyone can recommend a good brekkie somewhere I'd be most grateful.

I've heard some great things about Singapore Airlines and from Changi to Heathrow I'm on an A380 (777 from Tokyo). What makes them so special?

Mad Men · « **Reply #197 on:** August 17, 2011, 01:27:40 pm »

Quote from: penfold102 on August 17, 2011, 01:15:19 pm

So on the 28th I'll be flying from Tokyo to London. The flight prices were absolutely ridiculous (I'm flying one-way) so the cheapest one I could find was with Singapore Airlines via Changi Airport. Problem is, it's gonna take 26 hours in total and I bloody hate flying. Anyway, a bit of advice. I have a 6 hour stopover in Singapore and I've never been before. Is it worth leaving the airport for a wander? I arrive at 6:30am but if anyone can recommend a good brekkie somewhere I'd be most grateful.

I've heard some great things about Singapore Airlines and from Changi to Heathrow I'm on an A380 (777 from Tokyo). What makes them so special?

1. One of the youngest fleets in the world
2. Quality service, seats and meals
3. Top class in flight entertainment
4. Changi airport is one of the best airports in the world..if there is one airport I wouldn't mind having a lay over, ANYWHERE, it's changi..
5. Given you are landing so early in the morning and most places don't get going till 9.30am-10:00am, your options may be a bit limited. Traffic in the morning on a week day can be a little bit insane but nothing as bad as many other countries or capital cities...you could take the MRT train from changi to downtown Singapore (give at least 1 hour with at least 1 interchange) to get to orchard road) if you want to take a walk around. You could get off at Dhoby Gaunt or Orchard.

Alternatively, take a cab from the airport to Geylang and have some local chinese fare for breakfast and sample a bit of old Singapore, grab a cab after breakfast and ask him to take you on a drive around downtown Singapore (orchard road, the business district, waterfront) and you should probably then head to the airport from downtown (allow for 40 minutes from the city to the airport from downtown by taxi).

Oh, don't forget which terminal you are flying out from..there are 2 or 3 terminals (not too far apart but if you're legging it, you could waste 20 minutes getting from one to the other and then rushing to a gate) and a budget terminal.
I always enjoy flying Singapore and always have good experinces with them.

penfold102 · « **Reply #198 on:** August 17, 2011, 01:32:01 pm »

Quote from: Mad Men on August 17, 2011, 01:27:40 pm

1. One of the youngest fleets in the world
2. Quality service, seats and meals
3. Top class in flight entertainment
4. Changi airport is one of the best airports in the world..if there is one airport I wouldn't mind having a lay over, ANYWHERE, it's changi..
5. Given you are landing so early in the morning and most places don't get going till 9.30am-10:00am, your options may be a bit limited. Traffic in the morning on a week day can be a little bit insane but nothing as bad as many other countries or capital cities...you could take the MRT train from changi to downtown Singapore (give at least 1 hour with at least 1 interchange) to get to orchard road) if you want to take a walk around. You could get off at Dhoby Gaunt or Orchard.

Alternatively, take a cab from the airport to Geylang and have some local chinese fare for breakfast and sample a bit of old Singapore, grab a cab after breakfast and ask him to take you on a drive around downtown Singapore (orchard road, the business district, waterfront) and you should probably then head to the airport from downtown (allow for 40 minutes from the city to the airport from downtown by taxi).

Oh, don't forget which terminal you are flying out from..there are 2 or 3 terminals (not too far apart but if you're legging it, you could waste 20 minutes getting from one to the other and then rushing to a gate) and a budget terminal.
I always enjoy flying Singapore and always have good experinces with them.

Cheers for the advice Mad Men - appreciate it. As much as I don't enjoy flying in the least, should be a nice experience. Wish I had one of them beds in the A380 though.

Mad Men · « **Reply #199 on:** August 17, 2011, 01:53:02 pm »

Quote from: penfold102 on August 17, 2011, 01:32:01 pm

Cheers for the advice Mad Men - appreciate it. As much as I don't enjoy flying in the least, should be a nice experience. Wish I had one of them beds in the A380 though.

We usually fly Quantas, Jetstar so I don't get many opportunities to fly Singapore but when I do, it's always a good trip/flight...but yea, those beds on the 380...lucky bastards whoever does get to/can afford to fly business class/first class.

Singapore airlines also have a entire business class 777 or 340 if I am not mistaken between Singapore and San Fran or LA if I am not mistaken so..lots of corporate types flying on their flights I guess