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.

@AnythingCanHappen

• Lost baggage - Use AirTags. I find it so comforting to see my bag is onboard be it a coach, boat or plane.
• Seatguru - this gives you details of seat width and leg room.
• Airbus vs Boeing - I focus on seat width/space and toilets.
• YouTube - fantastic for seat/aircraft reviews.
• Airline / depends on route and whether it’s economy, premium economy or Business Class.

I would take Airbus over Boeing any day
But I make a small exception for the 787

A lot/most of the passenger experience and of course the basics like seating is down to the airline, Airbus verses Boeing might be important but it’s just one variable.

I’m also not sure there’s much sense in trying to finesse things to aircraft manufacturer or even exact type (if that is the OPs line of thought).

It might be bit of sod to arrange to fly on the latest nicest thing, arrive at the airport and find out there’s been an equipment change to something a bit different and definitely a fair bit older….

Yep, the 350s are way better than the 330s. Then again, their new A330 NEOs are outstanding.

Generally, yes, you'd expect a better experience in the premium cabins in the newest types out of the factory...economy maybe not do much.

The following exact switch won't happen nowadays but having seen a 747 sub'd on a specific service to replace a 380 (and subsequently reports of the passenger response) I'd still caution trying to finesse selection too much, it'll probably work out but it may not.

Absolutely @notimagain
I was supposed to come home on an A380 once, last minute change to 777
I was one of the passengers left behind 🤦🏼‍♀️

Any experience of Cathay Premium Economy? Doing a long haul flight with them for the first time soon and curious to see how they compare.

We have found Qantas Premium Economy to be the best Premium Ec so far, but that seems to be reflected in the prices - went with Cathay this time as it was about £1k cheaper!

Emirates
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Qantas

I’ve only flown long haul twice and most recently almost 10 years ago but based on my experience I would go KLM/Delta. It was comfortable with good food and drinks and the entertainment was good as well. You have to go through Schipol for most of their long haul flights which I admit is counterintuitive when flying from Scotland to Chicago (like i did) but the connections were better timed than going via Heathrow, the flight time much the same and the prices cheaper enough that it was worth going ‘the wrong way’ if that makes sense. Going to Chicago it was a Delta flight (partner airline) from Schipol which was comfortable and good leg room (despite being the middle two seats in a row of 4!) Going to Cape Town it was KLM all the way and it was actually a nice journey.

What I liked with KLM business is they give you a little Delft house with Dutch gin inside. Never had a gift with any of the others. Although did get PJ's with Qatar.

I know I sound dumb (probably am!) but what do you mean by 'over the top of the world'?!

I suspect the poster is having a bit of fun…

As I read it they’re alluding to climbing “up” a globe as you head north’ish to the high latitudes, the whizzing “down” the globe as you head south again.

It’s certainly not that unusual, at least in some circles, to hear the high northern latitudes being described in a sort of joking manner as being as “top of the world”

I was quoting @princesspadam

But in all honesty, I have no idea! 🤣

Emirates

I think everyone wants something different. Some people want to fly with the most legroom. Others quality of food is more important.

For me BA is pretty rotten when it comes to food, legroom and general politeness of the staff. That lack of politeness is great though when it is directed at someone else that is kicking off being unreasonable and my guess is that their service and maintenance of planes is second to none as well as their pilot training.

Virgin used to do great food a couple of decades back. I used to fly with them a lot, but it has got steadily worse over time. Their premium economy is nowhere near business class and in no way worth the money IMO and their first class is more like a top airline business class. It's still fairly decent though.

@Worried1305 Any experience of Cathay Premium Economy? Doing a long haul flight with them for the first time soon and curious to see how they compare.

I fly Cathay premium economy twice a year, Aus to UK and like it. I think Qantas does have slightly better seats (although I think Cathay is refurbishing its fleet), but the entertainment on Cathay is better imo. My main requirement is that I can sleep and I don’t have a problem in PE. I quite often get upgraded to business (one perk of frequent flying by myself!), and it’s lovely, but I wouldn’t pay the extra $4-5k when I find PE comfortable enough.

I think they're all similar tbh. I don't rate any major airlines above any other - though agree with others that service on the Asian carriers tends to be more respectful and calmer than the aussie/american/european carriers.

This is really helpful and reassuring, thank you.

We’re transiting through Beijing but have a good 4h so I’m hoping it’s enough time to deal with the craziness….

Thanks! My son is a fast growing eating machine so we’ll be sliding half the shelf of Pret into his backpack then 😂

I do a lot of long haul (live in Australia) and always use the big Asian carriers if I get a choice. They’re set up for long haul. So Singapore, cathay etc. Last choice would be European carriers.