Jetting

So keeping with the theme of the last few posts, and in light of surging fuel prices & ridiculous charges to check-in bags, I thought it might be time to do an airline review. I’ll start with the worst…

United are without a doubt, the scummiest, cheapest, dirtiest, nastiest airline in the world. I have no idea how they still exist, because they overcharge and under-deliver. They are the McDonalds of the air travel world; ubiquitous, profitable, hitting the lowest-common-denominator, generally disgusting. Fly at your own peril…or if for some reason, Afghani Air are all booked out.

Having said that, American Airlines ay actually be worse; they now charge to check in luggage, which is code for “we are money hungry mongrels who can’t actually run a business properly.” They are just as crummy as united but for some reason, seem to treat people just a little better. Which makes a difference.

Delta seem to get a bad wrap in the states, but I think they’re a decent airline. Not brilliant, but no fuss, friendlier staff than other airlines and a decent price. They also fly places others seem unwilling to go too, like the Middle East and Africa. Fly them if you can. Alaskan Airlines are a great option if you’re flying on the west coast of the USA; they fly everywhere over there, very often. Simple, efficient and economically viable, fly them if you can too.

Then there is Virgin America. Ah…May…Zing. They are cheaper than any other airline. They have leather seats in economy. They give you a touch screen TV, with movies, cable TV, music and all kinds of stuff. I am writing this on one fo their planes, because they have power sockets in every seat, and I plugged my laptop in. Oh, and they have a little bit of extra room in them, which is just amazing if you’re a larger person (my shoulders are actually too broad for the standard seat…tragedy I know).

In terms of internationals; Luftansa is the worst I’ve ever sat in. Cramped. Very cramped. Bad food. Annoying little hosts waking you up way too early and asking if you want tea. Don’t do it people. Garuda Indonesia were pretty good, bringing us food and drink non-stop on the way to Bali. But then again, they did just lose a few people when they crashed last year, so maybe think before you book that flight.

I’ve been pretty fond of Qantas as an airline overall, especially their long-haul service where they are tough to beat. The food is decent for a plane, they usually can get the personal entertainment systems working, they have friendly staff and clean, modern planes. However, they also charge out the wazoo, especially on the US-Australia route where they often get away with making Australians pay double what Americans pay. Of late they seem to be a company that is losing it’s human ethos and swapping it out for a bumper salary for executives. They also killed off Ansett and Compass. But at least they’re better than united.

Anyway, they are my airline stories. Share yours if you want.