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Original poster

XL - Has anyone flown long haul with them?

35 replies

DaBombDiggitty · 27/02/2008 23:29

Says it all really!! My ds and I are going to the virgin islands early July. XL are coming up as the cheapest flights to Antigua just over £800 compared to £1200 with BA.

I have read reviews on them and most of them are awful but most of the people that slated XL were not on long Haul flights!!

So if you have would you recommend it or pay more money!! Ds is 4 by the way.
thanks!

OP posts:
peasoup · 02/03/2008 20:04

Never heard of XL. Must only be a recent service to Antigua as up till a year ago i flew out there alot and never heard of them. With a kid, Virgin is probably best as good entertainment in the seat backs including lots of kids channels- better than a long adult film on a screen that hangs down 7 foot away that a toddler won't bother watching. Food is better than any other airline too.

Rosa · 02/03/2008 20:07

XL - Excel has terrible timing reputations. They do not have a lot of long haul aircraft so if it goes tech you could be in a pickle.

mum2boys2girls · 02/03/2008 20:15

I flew with them back from Antigua back in 2002 it was the worst flight i have ever had i do have high expectations as long haul c/crew for British Airways but the crew were very young and the service was horrendous plus had to fly via Manchester which i wasn't aware when i joined the flight

mum2boys2girls · 02/03/2008 20:17

ps i will never fly with them again , also they do not have entertainment systems in the seats just a big screen

unknownrebelbang · 02/03/2008 20:22

We flew with XL to Florida at Christmas and found the crew to be good both ways tbh.

We also liked the amount of legroom we got.

There was a problem with the inflight entertainment which was a pita with three children in tow.

Wotz · 02/03/2008 20:30

I have flown with them long-haul, they were fine.
All airlines can have tech problems. You can get bumped off schedule flights like VA or BA, as they oversell the seats. Xl don't as they are a charter, so at least you'll get a seat.

Get holiday insurance to cover delayed - or missed connecting flights incase there is a delay. I suppose you are using Liat for the island hop?

Wotz · 02/03/2008 20:34

I see there was a delay from op to todays response
I expect you have decided by now anyway.

Rosa · 03/03/2008 09:27

Agree Wotz all airlines have tech problems but with a sceduled airline they have a) generally more aircraft to swap to . b) agreements with other airlines to re protect you on if needed. - Ok it can go belly up with them as well. Astreus was another company with the same problem when they flew they were great but when they were delayed for tech reasons it was a complete nightmare talking about european destination delays of 14 - 24 hrs !
I like Excel purely as what they are trying to do to compete with the big boys but not sure I would fly longhaul with them

Wotz · 03/03/2008 10:07

I agree what you are saying about more air lift Rosa.

But with all Caribbean long-haul there is only one UK flight on any given day to Antigua, so any delay can be longer because there isn't another flight later to shift 300 or so passengers onto.

All have to 'find' another plane or hopefully 'fix' the tech problem. So I agree airlines with a larger fleet manage better at times.

I would consider price when booking and XL flights are not always cheaper or vastly different than the others. But as op was saving a 3rd off the final cost. I know who I'd book with.

I have flown long-haul with all major UK airlines, with no problems. All can have problems.

Even pilots delaying flights due to unfit to fly (too many to drink) !

DaBombDiggitty - I expect for every holiday maker's bad review on a hotel or airline there are 1000s that don't post a good review.

As on a forum like MN, folk like to rant rather than rave, it's human nature.

Original poster
DaBombDiggitty · 03/03/2008 19:27

Thank you for all of your replies! I have decided to go with Virgin after all!!! Just dont want to take the chance of being delayed with a 4 year old!!
Wotz - will be using Leave Island Any Time for the island hop!!! I use to live in Tortola for 9 years so I am taking my son back to meet his aunts, uncles and some good friends!!

OP posts:
Wotz · 03/03/2008 19:32

lol @ Leave Island Any Time

yes indeed. Don't forget your allowance is only xx in Liat, and take everything you need in your hand luggage incase your other bags turn up 2 days later. Have a great time. I would love to visit Tortola. It looks amazing.

Wotz · 03/03/2008 19:42

FWIW I once flew BWIA
a.k.a. Britain's Worst Investment Abroad or
But Will It Arrive

Rosa · 03/03/2008 19:58

On that subject do you remember Peach air . It was a 2 or 3 plane charter company a spin off British Caledonian. If you re arrange the letters ... It is CHEAP ...and oh boy was it !
TWA - Try walking accross And there are more but brain can' remember them.
Hope you have a great holiday and enjoy Virgin - good choice...

CountessDracula · 03/03/2008 20:02

I have flown to the caribbean with them 4 times and each time have landed an hour early

Coach is not fun but it never is. It is no worse than BA or Virgin IMO (you don't get poncy temple balm and slippers though)

Their Excel One class is great check it out. 45 inch seat pitch etc. If you can get that for the same or a bit more than Virgin then I would seriously go for it.

Wotz · 03/03/2008 20:32

XL One is the bees knees

peasoup · 03/03/2008 20:53

Glad you went with Virgin. Have a great hol. What put me off BWIA was I'm vegetarian and everyone got a cheese sandwich midway through the flight, but I got a lettuce sandwich! As well as lots of other crap things about them, including the baggage going on to Trinidad without us.

Wotz · 03/03/2008 20:55

my dh just came back with Virgin and thought it was sh*t
why the big fan base for beardy?

Original poster
DaBombDiggitty · 03/03/2008 21:00

Wotz - LIAT are also known as Luggage In Any Terminal - so will have clothes in carry on!!

OP posts:
Wotz · 03/03/2008 21:29

I have heard good things about Long Bay Beach Hotel

peasoup · 03/03/2008 21:46

I lived opposite Long bay Beach Hotel for 7 months! Used to sneak over there and beat my now DH at Ping Pong. I so want to go back.

Wotz · 03/03/2008 21:50

you lucky thing

peasoup · 03/03/2008 21:52

Was lucky; am not feeling particularly lucky at the moment. London's grim.

Wotz · 03/03/2008 22:01

I can imagine peasoup
Long Bay to London, umm would make you feel a tad depressed. Ping pong to mind the gap, not quite the same.

peasoup · 03/03/2008 22:05

DH actaully got me a Ping Pong (table tennis) table for my last birthday in a bid to cheer me up . Can't see white white beaches out of the window though. What good stuff did you hear about Long Bay?

Wotz · 03/03/2008 22:07

Just good stuff that makes you
someone on a sailing holiday ending up there and staying before they flew out. It sounded lovely.