What airlines do you prefer? (Long Haul Flights)

[AnythingCanHappen]

Recently used Virgin and it was fine for what you get in economy.

Didn't really enjoy their selection entertainment system that much. Wished they had more marvel films.

DP has experienced business class quite often for work though but I've not yet.

I used Emirates recently and they were brilliant. I broke my ankle whilst away and they were fantastic ob the return flight. Arranged a wheelchair for me, gave myself and my DH the middle isle (4 seats) all to ourselves so I could put my foot up, also close to the loos

I generally fly business long haul these days and like, in this order:
Qatar
Emirates
Virgin
BA

Assessment based on flat beds and general pod area/toiletries etc, bar/galley area and food. Not particularly fussed about entertainment, I usually check it out but also load up my iPad for long flights.

Emirates also good for economy and premium economy. And I liked Singapore airways economy when I flew with them a few times, but that was 20+ years ago.

Have not flown Emirates, but DH just has and said it was brilliant. Completely agree with view on KLM, flew long haul to Malaysia and far too hot (nothing done despite complaints from all) and so small a seat in Economy that I longed for Wizzair. Mainly fly Virgin premium economy, which is generally OK. I think it massively depends on how full it is, and the aircraft itself, and seatguru is your friend here (as recommended by another poster) Virgin had some thing going on last time I flew which sounded great (a "wander wall" where you could allegedly go up and get snacks water etc. but was bloody hopeless) Not a bad idea, but not happening irl.

We avoid BA and Virgin. Adore Cathay and Singapore airlines for quality of service and comfort.

Emirates great too.

Qatar Business Class give out Dipthye amenity kits. Including 10 ml of perfume. Our flights were connecting so we got 2 each! Lady on the seat next to me said she had 100’s so would I like her’s too!

Emirates and Qatar have the large horseshoe bar on their A380’s. Made me feel like a film star!

Ha yes I love those big bar areas!

Just sharing this for anyone recommending Qatar Airways, in case they were unaware of how women transiting via Doha have been sexually assaulted by Qatari officials with the full cooperation of the airline.

www.nytimes.com/2020/10/26/world/australia/qatar-airways-women-strip-search-baby.html

Emirates. But I agree with the PPs who say the biggest difference is the plane and not the airline. A newer A3800 for example is a great trip.

Used to fly BA but they are very expensive comparatively and their customer service and reliability has nose dived.

Singapore are decent but have some crappy old planes in their fleet that have tiny seats.

Qantas I think are good too.

I liked the economy food on Qatar, but WTF I had no idea about the SA.

Can I ask about Air China? I’ve heard many varying reviews, we’re using them this year for the first time and I’m a little worried…

I came on to say Emirates and Qatar then saw that article!. I flew to the US for work with BA a few weeks ago and economy was awful. The difference in leg room to Emirates for our Christmas holiday was so noticeable. My DS is 6ft 1 and he was comfortable the whole way. On BA the woman in front of me reclined her seat almost straight away and I had no room but didn’t want to just extend the problem down the plane, by doing the same. She didn’t even put her seat back when the food came 😡. I didn’t think that was a thing but when it happened again on Emirates I realised I must be behind the times plane etiquette wise, but it wasn’t actually an issue on the lovely A380.

I fly ultra long haul regularly. I can’t afford business class so Singapore Airlines are my choice for economy.

Really depends on the plane. I've enjoyed flying economy with Turkish because they're generous with kids luggage.

The best business class flights I've had were surprisingly with Oman Air. I've flown business with most Gulf carriers and had a good experience but not tried Singapore, Cathay etc. which I hear good things about.

European carriers have always been disappointing.

I like singapore, the service has always been very good and my seat area has always been clean. For economy I also find Japanese airlines to be very good, I went to Japan with my son and did business one way and economy the other, the staff were good each way and the plane was very clean, the only unusual thing was in business it was a set menu which isn’t something I have come across before.

I once flew to brazil with norwegian and was in premium economy, it was more than half the price of BA who were the only other airline doing that route, and as good as any other premium economy I’ve been in.

You report it at the airport (after watching the carousel of doom get emptier and emptier). They then arrange to deliver your cases to your hotel. It can take a day or two.
You can claim back "reasonable" expenses as long as you keep the receipt. But buying clothes in Thailand for larger/ taller people is difficult. Imagine arriving in Bangkok with 35 degree heat in winter clothes - we left during Storm Bert. It wasn't pleasant.

Lost luggage isn't the airlines doing, that's down to Swiss port who deal with all the ground and luggage handling. That's why you report it to the airport at the lost luggage point.

Air China is fine. It’s the national carrier and offers a much better experience than China Eastern which I would only use for short haul. I would, however, take plenty of snacks as food can be a bit hit or miss in economy.

I've been looking online did BA uses to do direct flights to Australia?

I don't think they do anymore.

I like virgin & emirates

found BA ok but nothing special

BA used to partner with quantus

Yes they do, but there is just the one so it can be hard to find on some ticketing sites.

It’s a daily LHR- SYD with a transit in Singapore, I think on a 777-300 at the moment.…In case it helps Flight number is the BA 15 outbound, BA 16 back.

I've also flown Air China. They were fine. Found the cabin crew really courteous and helpful, though don't expect them to speak much english. When I went to use the toilet, the air steward quickly checked it first to make sure it was clean - just a small thing but nice thing to do.

BA have never done a direct flight to Aus. Transit in HongKong yes
Direct flights to Aus are a very new concept and are only currently done by Qantas LHR to Perth.

Qantas
Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services.