Honestly, all the American airlines have fairly good international product's. If I had to chose one American airline, Continental is the best internationally, American is a close second. In my experiences (4 flights internationally across the pond). British Airways has the best international product I've come across. In Europe there is so much competition that it has to be a good product at a good price or you go out of business. European and Canadian flight attendants are so much nicer then American flight attendants. I'd like to try Emirates, from pictures I've seen their first class is epic.
never had any problems with Continental, in fact they're my preferred airline. Its like most brands, you have a bad experience and don't do repeat business. How many car makers have we sworn off due to bad parts/service, etc?
http://www.aero-news.net/news/commair.cfm?ContentBlockID=29a732ae-48c5-4b8a-a409-d009c1d58356&Dynamic=1
that incident was complete BS! I would have called 911 and said I was being held hostage and demanded to be let off that aircraft-absolutely unconscionable!
Well...I think my stand point is that mistakes will happen. It's in the numbers. I decide to continue doing business based on how the company handles the issue when the mistake has been made.
I don't agree when everyone is saying that Continental "lost their luggage". Its not their fault, its the fault of the airport crew who check and scan all the bags and sort them for their destination. The airline pays "landing fees", which goes to pay for the services of the airport. Ie. everytime they land, they lease the facility and crew from the airport. They are however responsible, because its their name on the plane, but in reality it could also be the responsibility of the vacation/package company, since they are the "general contractors" of the flight package.
NO. In my case, a Continental gate person took my bag from me, while I was standing on the plane and gave me a claim check. They took it and forgot to put it on the plane. Continental screwed up. I'm sure sometimes they get it right and I just got four bad flights.
Could be great news for the long-haul, transatlantic road warrior. With KLM-Air France and Lufthansa-Swiss linked up, it will be interesting. Wonder what this will force the US airlines to do. http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8NK5PI00.htm