Continental or American Airlines?

[Mark]

We have the option to fly to Central America with either Continental or American Airlines in January, the prices are similar but we're wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these?

There was the option to fly with BA but they might be affected by industrial action in January and so they're a no go.

Thanks in advance

[ontheedge]

Flew american airways a few years back found hem very good

[Horsebox]

I flew to Rio via Houston with Continental back in 2003. I think all Continental flights route via Houston which can add hours onto your journey, partly due to inefficient transit processes. I don't recall it being one of the best airports to wait around in either.

As for the flight, the plane was quite empty so we had plenty of space to stretch out, but I wouldn't recommend them particularly. If we hadn't had the additional space it would've been quite uncomfortable. Also remember we had to pay for our in-flight drinks and the stewardess serving us decided to impose a slightly bizarre 2 drink limit, although it was done with a lot of Southern charm.

I've not flown American but a friend of mine is joining me in NY this week and flying with AA.

I'll be happy to post up his experience, if you wish.

[cate]

Pretty sure American has a bigger seat pitch so would be worth checking that out. I've flown them before and don't remember anything awful.

Just checked on a site and it said Economy Continental is 31-32 and AA is 33-35 inches.

[giggirl]

This site might help you make a decision

http://www.seatguru.com/

[Huguenot]

My all time worst flight was with American. We'd gone with them because we could get business for the same price as standard on BA.

What an absolute disaster.

Shabby planes, dogeared seats and a non-functioning entertainment system.

I understand that Continental and American were in merger talks, so there may not be much between them. I do understand that Continental operate a much younger fleet though, which might make difference as to whether you feel like you're in a flying shed.

If there is a two drink rule, that would be reason enough for rejecting anyone on a long haul flight.

[mockney piers]

Similar experience, Miami to Guatemala City on American.

Plane was ancient, once onn plane an hours delay due to technical difficulties. I was terrified the whole journey we'd drop out the sky.

Seats were worn thin, burly and rude air hosts threw a pack of peanuts at me and there was no booze.

Will avoid AA in future if I can.

Guatemala's national carrier only has brand new airbuses and staff polite and friendly; if you have the option....

[oilworker]

We recently flew AA to Chicago and it was ok. Oldish Boing 777 but legroom was fine. We were delayed about 1 1/2 hrs leaving but had quite a long stopover in Chicago so it didnt really matter. Couldnt believe how old the flight crew (think Grecian 2000 advert) and stewards all seemed - older than us and we feel ancient (but they were mostly quite jolly (I am used to flying Alitalia/Air France where everyone is much younger..) You can get booze - but it is USD 6 for a can of beer!! Soft drinks are free.

[Santerme]

I fly American Airlines four or five times a year on business

Never had bad experience, had some fairly average ones

Flown Continental internally and never been disappointed

[Jeremy]

I flew on American Airlines, and as others have said. the plane was ancient and the entertainment was totally sub-standard. I could have been unlucky though, and it was around 3 years ago now.

[Mark]

Thank you everyone. I did fly to Mexico with American Airlines last year and they were a bit poor, the hostesses were like ageing Sue Ellens from Dallas who liked to chat/shout to each other across the trolley and my video screen was missing the green element. Continental is looking preferable at the moment.

[MrBen]

Mark Wrote:

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> the hostesses were like ageing Sue Ellens

> from Dallas who liked to chat/shout to each other

> across the trolley.

This reminds me of every Air Canada flight I've ever taken. Rude and grumpy like comedy dinner ladies. And all done with BIG HAIR.

All US carriers have a decent rep for maintenance but are amongst the worst for in flight trimmings and passenger experience. So for me I'd choose BA or TAM over those two unless budget is tight.

[kpc]

Have flown Continental to Guatemala via Houston (3 years ago) without any problems - certainly none in transit at Houston - and have used both airlines on east coast transatlantic flights over past few years. I think both airlines charge for drinks now and poor in flight service seems to be prevalent on US based airlines (probably as most have been in bankruptcy in recent years, there is not a lot of staff morale).

If there is little to decide in price, I would opt for the airline that can offer the most convenient timings/shortest overall travel time.

[Applespider]

Is it a direct flight or does it involve a change in the US? Continental used to codeshare with Virgin so you could sometimes get a good Continental deal and end up flying Virgin (which if you'd booked directly would have been dearer).

[Mark]

It's a flight to Costa Rica, Continental flights all seem to fly via Newark and none of them say operated by Virgin, which is a shame. We did initially look to see where Virgin fly so we could consider a flight with them but they don't do Central America.

[cate]

Hurry and put in a complaint to Branson before he sells Virgin.

[Pearson]

Huguenot Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> My all time worst flight was with American. We'd

> gone with them because we could get business for

> the same price as standard on BA.

>

> What an absolute disaster.

>

> Shabby planes, dogeared seats and a

> non-functioning entertainment system.

>

> I understand that Continental and American were in

> merger talks, so there may not be much between

> them. I do understand that Continental operate a

> much younger fleet though, which might make

> difference as to whether you feel like you're in a

> flying shed.

>

> If there is a two drink rule, that would be reason

> enough for rejecting anyone on a long haul flight.

-------------------------------------------------------

So the AA have a two drink rule these days, shocking!!

[womanofdulwich]

we went to las vegas via chicago last month with AA, agree about the age of air stewards, but the planes were great- one was only on its 4th flight.