“Tomorrow I’m going to Paris.”
“Which airline?” a pilot I know at the gym asked me.
“They fly to Paris?”
“Yes, and they offer better service and real meals. Plus it’s fun to see flight attendants wearing Tahitian dresses, smiling and actually enjoying their job.”
He laughed.
Later, while working my abs on the ball, I blabbed about my trip to another friend at my gym.
“You’re not the first person who’s told me you get better food and more leg room on foreign airlines,” she said.
“Even British Airways has friendlier flight attendants than American Airlines, Continental or US Airways,” I said.
“You won’t believe what happened to me last time I flew to Denver,” she said.
“What?”
“I couldn’t get my carry-on into the overhead bin so I asked the flight attendant to help me. You know what he said?”
“No?”
“We’re not allowed to lift bags because of our backs.”
“You’re kidding.”
“So I complained. After that they apologized and gave me champagne. At least they did something about it.”
Many Americans don’t think about using other airlines, like Air Tahiti Nui to Paris, or Air New Zealand from LA to London. There’s more leg room, and the flight attendants are friendlier.
Are we so focused on frequent flier miles we forget to check out other options? Other airlines are partnered with US airlines, so you still get your miles. For example, Air Tahiti Nui offers miles on American Airlines, so when I fly in the U.S., I can use them. Though that’s another sore subject for me; I rarely seem to get a free seat despite having sufficient miles. I’ve come to the conclusion that airlines only offer one free seat per flight. Am I right, or is there some secret to receiving a free ticket?
So if you want:
- Real food
- More leg room
- Friendlier flight attendants
Next time try it our. Fly a different airline.
Please share your travel experiences. Which airlines are your favorite? Which do you dislike?
Are you really visiting Europe again? In this cold?
I love different airlines. As a Brit, I don't find British Airways friendly enough. I like Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines for their service. South African airlines is good too.
On the other hand, every flight I ever took on China Air or Aeroflot was terrifying and/or funny by turns!
Say, that “Air Tahiti Nui” sounds grand. But here's the real test: would they let me sit in a seat, or would they stick me in cargo?
I like your suggestion, Sonia. Along with all your reasons, a foreign airline just sounds more adventuresome.
And, yes, frequent flier miles are often hard to use. I have had the best luck when I am getting a one-way ticket (especially if it to somewhere no one really wants to go)
@ladyfi
Justblanded at CDG this morning after an 11 hour flight from LA. The weather is quite mild here at 55F. The same as California last week. We've had the heating running for months in Southern CA. The sun started shining when I left yesterday.
@Miss Sadie
I saw a snauzer on board my flight. The dog had a special pass, not sure why as the owner was not blind. Miss Sadie, if you could remain calm during an 11 hour flight, you might get a floor spot too.
@Jeanie
I don't think you can use only one-way free tickets with miles, can you?
Valid reasoning! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for the update, Sonia. Glad you've arrived safe and sound.
"Calm" is my middle name. I'll keep all this filed in my little brain.
We will keep this in mind. We usually make our decision based on which airline has the cheapest tickets. Although we have flown Hawaiian between here and the islands on a regular basis and have always had excellent service. And they have several female captains, which appeals to me.
@Phivos
I'm visiting Europe for ten days.
@Miss Sadie
Glad to hear you're calm. You're invited on board!
I remember that flying British Air and Air France were very nice experiences, but I haven't done that for many years. I wonder if they're still that good.