Your Nicest Airline Experiences
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Cape Town / UK / Europe
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flying into Innsbruck in the cockpit of a Danair 727 (or BAC 1-11?)
Flying across the Andes in the cockpit of a LH 747, BUE-SCL, right over Aconcagua on a beautiful clear morning.
Flying across the Andes in the cockpit of a LH 747, BUE-SCL, right over Aconcagua on a beautiful clear morning.
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: England
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Qantas flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok around 1998, economy class, being awoken somewhere over NE India and asked "Would you like champagne with your breakfast sir", remember seeing the Himalayas on the horizon at daybreak. Champagne doesn't seem to appear now in QF economy.
Daftest thing I have ever done was to take packed sandwiches on my first ever flight, 747 Man - Lax with good old Caledonian back in 1989. (yes, I ate em, with my G&T !!)
Was upgraded with Emirates Man - Dubai back in 1996, only 20 passengers !!. Onward flight to Hong Kong similarly empty, but not upgraded, still we all had a centre row of 4 seats each.
My son was taken into the cockpit of a 747-400 LHR-SFO in 2000, half an hour in there flying over the Canadian praries. He still talks about it. Pity this is no longer possible.
Never had any bad experiences, nearly all my flights have passed with reasonable comfort and efficiency.
Airlines are fine by me - Airports are another matter !!
Daftest thing I have ever done was to take packed sandwiches on my first ever flight, 747 Man - Lax with good old Caledonian back in 1989. (yes, I ate em, with my G&T !!)
Was upgraded with Emirates Man - Dubai back in 1996, only 20 passengers !!. Onward flight to Hong Kong similarly empty, but not upgraded, still we all had a centre row of 4 seats each.
My son was taken into the cockpit of a 747-400 LHR-SFO in 2000, half an hour in there flying over the Canadian praries. He still talks about it. Pity this is no longer possible.
Never had any bad experiences, nearly all my flights have passed with reasonable comfort and efficiency.
Airlines are fine by me - Airports are another matter !!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes always remember the 2 visits to the cockpit. Once on Concorde and the second on an Air Pacific 747. Had chatted to an Air Pacific pilot who was a passenger AKL- NAN. Was on the flight to LAX the next week when was invited up to the cockpit as he was flying the plane to LAX.
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Belfast
Age: 60
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Living in Northern Ireland, it's rare we get the opportunity to fly on a full service airline, as opposed to the BOB model. For that reason we really enjoyed flight BA504 on April 25 from Heathrow to Lisbon. We had flown over to LHR on BMI - long time circling and very bumpy approach because of bad weather - but otherwise a very pleasant flight with a very professional crew.
We transferred over to Terminal 3, enjoyed a chat with a very friendly check-in assistant - a real credit to the airline - and then a meal. Our flight was delayed, again because of the bad weather, but once on board, the aircraft was extremely comfortable, and it was nice that no money had to change hands when it came to the drinks and sandwiches. The cabin crew were extremely pleasant and friendly.
We flew back to BFS yesterday from FAO with Aer Lingus in the spacious front row of a new A319. This was also a very pleasant flight with professional but friendly cabin crew, but of course it's a BOB business model. However, to me Aer Lingus is a good example of how BOB should operate. They are a more comfortable airline to fly with than easyJet.
We transferred over to Terminal 3, enjoyed a chat with a very friendly check-in assistant - a real credit to the airline - and then a meal. Our flight was delayed, again because of the bad weather, but once on board, the aircraft was extremely comfortable, and it was nice that no money had to change hands when it came to the drinks and sandwiches. The cabin crew were extremely pleasant and friendly.
We flew back to BFS yesterday from FAO with Aer Lingus in the spacious front row of a new A319. This was also a very pleasant flight with professional but friendly cabin crew, but of course it's a BOB business model. However, to me Aer Lingus is a good example of how BOB should operate. They are a more comfortable airline to fly with than easyJet.
Gentleman Aviator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Dubai
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive been fortunate to have more than a few enjoyable commercial flights. The ones that particularly stand out are :-
SFO to LAX sometime in 1997. Taking off from SFO and climbing out over San Francisco on a gin clear April day and seeing the city and the Golden Gate laid out like a model.
DXB to BHX in April last year. After a full flight from HKG to DXB early on Easter Saturday morning and considering that Terminal 3 was like one of Dantes visions of hell some of the sweetest words Ive ever heard uttered are 'yes we do have upgrade seats available for Skywards members'. Business class only had four passengers in it whilst economy was packed. As I was at that happy point where I was about to fall asleep on my flat bed I remember feeling immense gratitude for not being in economy at that time.
SFO to LAX sometime in 1997. Taking off from SFO and climbing out over San Francisco on a gin clear April day and seeing the city and the Golden Gate laid out like a model.
DXB to BHX in April last year. After a full flight from HKG to DXB early on Easter Saturday morning and considering that Terminal 3 was like one of Dantes visions of hell some of the sweetest words Ive ever heard uttered are 'yes we do have upgrade seats available for Skywards members'. Business class only had four passengers in it whilst economy was packed. As I was at that happy point where I was about to fall asleep on my flat bed I remember feeling immense gratitude for not being in economy at that time.
Any Royal Jordanian flight. Despite some of the aircraft being a little old ie A310's, the cabin crew offered a superb service. Nothing was too much trouble, always a smile, prompt requests and excellent efficient ground staff at AMM.
Agree with previous posters re Wardair
Flew Gatwick - Alicante - Gatwick on the flight deck of a Laker Bac1-11 (was only 13 at the time)
SQ 747 from Sia to Osaka - quick trip to flight deck during the flight - got invited to stay for landing which was a rare treat even pre 9-11.
Flew Gatwick - Alicante - Gatwick on the flight deck of a Laker Bac1-11 (was only 13 at the time)
SQ 747 from Sia to Osaka - quick trip to flight deck during the flight - got invited to stay for landing which was a rare treat even pre 9-11.
Paxing All Over The World
I think it was August 1987, I was on VS for LGW~NWK (before they started LHR ops). It was a Sunday afternoon.
I was in Upper Class and after a wonderful lunch, they were showing cartoons (still with the big screen, as it was just before personal screens came in). I remember looking out of the window at the sunshine and the Atlantic, then looking at myself stretched out in the window seat and, having selected a lovely mini-tub of ice-cream, watching Tom & Jerry. I thought: "I'm being paid to do this ..."
I was in Upper Class and after a wonderful lunch, they were showing cartoons (still with the big screen, as it was just before personal screens came in). I remember looking out of the window at the sunshine and the Atlantic, then looking at myself stretched out in the window seat and, having selected a lovely mini-tub of ice-cream, watching Tom & Jerry. I thought: "I'm being paid to do this ..."
Last edited by PAXboy; 11th May 2012 at 11:52. Reason: corrected the year
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Age: 52
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take it from a professional long-hauler: Air New Zealand is the only shining star on the airline horizon at the moment. They beat Emirates, Virgin, Lufthansa, everyone hands down. Now, I've not tried Asiana, Qatar, Etihad or Singapore recently, so there could contenders there. They make me smile every time I fly them and that's not easy to achieve from a grumpy fart like myself.
Turkish has shaped up greatly and is now better than Emirates, and their LAX-IST leg is nicely run. Virgin has slipped badly into footballers wife/Essex territory and don't belong in the top anymore. They're just like a slightly better BA these days.
Turkish has shaped up greatly and is now better than Emirates, and their LAX-IST leg is nicely run. Virgin has slipped badly into footballers wife/Essex territory and don't belong in the top anymore. They're just like a slightly better BA these days.
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Cape Town / UK / Europe
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thought: "I'm being paid to do this ..."
I was on a round trip only last week with Air Astana of Kazakhstan, Amsterdam to Atyrau on a 767, first time with them. You probably think it would be a ramshackle hand-down approach from old Soviet days in the "Stan's". Not at all. Although back in Y, it was substantial meals, sweets before takeoff and landing, hot towels, menu cards (when did you last get those), Twix chocolate bars with the separate bar service, and a cabin crew who just showed every step of the training and remembered accurately which of their three languages to use with each pax. On the minute both ways.
Yes, I did say in Economy !
Yes, I did say in Economy !
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Thailand
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It may not sound "nice" at first, but if you make it to the end you'll get the point.
A number of years ago I was on a business trip to Dallas, at a time when my Mother in Law was seriously ill. I got the dreaded call that her time was running short and got the next flight to London, via Atlanta I think.
The first flight was delayed and by the time I got to the gate it was closed. I explained the situation and told them I really didn't give much of a stuff whether the luggage got on the plane, but I had to; I didn't go into detail, just told them it was a family emergency. I guess they realised how upset I was.
Anyway, they opened the door and let me board, only for us to sit there for another 40 minutes before pushback.
It was only after take off that the cabin senior came and apologised to me for the delay, and told me that they'd held back the plane to make sure my case got on.
I can't count the number of times prior to that when I've cursed when people have swanned onto planes late, but I've never, ever done it since. (I also was hoping to god they didn't explain the reason to the passengers, or I'm sure I would have lit the cabin up glowing red!).
I did make it home in time to say goodbye to the lovely old dear, bless her, and I have never had a bad word to say about American Airlines since.
A number of years ago I was on a business trip to Dallas, at a time when my Mother in Law was seriously ill. I got the dreaded call that her time was running short and got the next flight to London, via Atlanta I think.
The first flight was delayed and by the time I got to the gate it was closed. I explained the situation and told them I really didn't give much of a stuff whether the luggage got on the plane, but I had to; I didn't go into detail, just told them it was a family emergency. I guess they realised how upset I was.
Anyway, they opened the door and let me board, only for us to sit there for another 40 minutes before pushback.
It was only after take off that the cabin senior came and apologised to me for the delay, and told me that they'd held back the plane to make sure my case got on.
I can't count the number of times prior to that when I've cursed when people have swanned onto planes late, but I've never, ever done it since. (I also was hoping to god they didn't explain the reason to the passengers, or I'm sure I would have lit the cabin up glowing red!).
I did make it home in time to say goodbye to the lovely old dear, bless her, and I have never had a bad word to say about American Airlines since.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: England, UK
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lovely to hear so many nice stories. VERY jealous of all you people that have been in the f/d for a landing. Alas I'll never experience that myself 
You have reminded me of another experience though.
I can't remember the airline, but it was about 1998, I was 8 years old, on my way to or from a holiday with my grandparents. It was a nighttime flight and a member of the cabin crew approached our row, and asked me if I'd like to visit the f/d. I said yes, and after making sure it was OK with my grandparents, she took me up, and introduced me to the Captain and F/O.
It's a hazy memory, but the overwhelming one was, of the plane in darkness, except for the lights and dials etc. Reminded me of a Christmas tree. A nice memory I have, back before the fear of flying kicked in.
That's actually what stood out for me on my last flight though. The fact that whenever I told someone I was scared, I got nothing but reassurance and friendly face. I'm used to people rolling their eyes, quoting the (well known to the majority of fearful flyers) statistics and generally not being very helpful. I have to admit, I expected the same on my flight.
Easyflyer83, I didn't realize you could check back that far, with it being back in October, thanks for doing that and passing it on
You have reminded me of another experience though. I can't remember the airline, but it was about 1998, I was 8 years old, on my way to or from a holiday with my grandparents. It was a nighttime flight and a member of the cabin crew approached our row, and asked me if I'd like to visit the f/d. I said yes, and after making sure it was OK with my grandparents, she took me up, and introduced me to the Captain and F/O.
It's a hazy memory, but the overwhelming one was, of the plane in darkness, except for the lights and dials etc. Reminded me of a Christmas tree. A nice memory I have, back before the fear of flying kicked in.
That's actually what stood out for me on my last flight though. The fact that whenever I told someone I was scared, I got nothing but reassurance and friendly face. I'm used to people rolling their eyes, quoting the (well known to the majority of fearful flyers) statistics and generally not being very helpful. I have to admit, I expected the same on my flight.
Easyflyer83, I didn't realize you could check back that far, with it being back in October, thanks for doing that and passing it on
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: London
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A couple of BA flights in First to/from Asia recently. Decent food and wonderful service from crews who can carry off that warm, slightly cheeky style of things without descending into VS "mate" "mate" "mate" all the time.
Coppula eam se non posit acceptera jocularum
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Northumberland, UK
Age: 61
Posts: 293
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Any flight with the now sadly long gone Gill Airways. Friendly, helpful, positive experience, complete with cabin crew who always seemed to have genuine smiles rather than some plastic training smile.
Except for the ramshackle aircraft and airports, used to be like that when I first flew with Aeroflot Don earlier in the century. Everybody may have been surly, but service was exemplary all round. Did not last the various changes of ownerships however
.
I was on a round trip only last week with Air Astana of Kazakhstan, Amsterdam to Atyrau on a 767, first time with them. You probably think it would be a ramshackle hand-down approach from old Soviet days in the "Stan's". Not at all. Although back in Y, it was substantial meals, sweets before takeoff and landing, hot towels, menu cards (when did you last get those), Twix chocolate bars with the separate bar service, and a cabin crew who just showed every step of the training and remembered accurately which of their three languages to use with each pax. On the minute both ways.
Yes, I did say in Economy !
Yes, I did say in Economy !
.
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: 32°55'22"S 151°46'56"E
Age: 39
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
It's still possible to fly on the jumpseat with some airlines outside of Europe/USA, last year I managed a couple of jumpseat flights on the A320 in Asia by showing my PPL and thoroughly enjoyed them.
As for service, I enjoy Qantas, Cathay, Asiana and Etihad (ish/mostly). Whilst I fly a mix of business and economy, the best flights are always the opups, just a real feeling of being lucky.
One of my most memorable flights was a Virgin one across to Miami in Premium Economy last year, was kind of a different experience as it felt much like a charter holiday trip, rather then the normal glum faces (mine included) deep in thought about work.
As for service, I enjoy Qantas, Cathay, Asiana and Etihad (ish/mostly). Whilst I fly a mix of business and economy, the best flights are always the opups, just a real feeling of being lucky.
One of my most memorable flights was a Virgin one across to Miami in Premium Economy last year, was kind of a different experience as it felt much like a charter holiday trip, rather then the normal glum faces (mine included) deep in thought about work.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Beyond the Blue Horizon
Age: 63
Posts: 1,257
Received 165 Likes
on
101 Posts
I forgot somthing I did for Children in Need in the UK in the mid 1980,s which I must rate as one of my best experiances with many different crews with BMI. Myself and my then girlfreind got sponsered by BMI to fly around on their routes with me dressed as a Bear collecting money from passengers and at their variouse terminals (excepet Birmingham who would not give permit). Started on the Sunday from LBA to LHR and did 3 flights a day on average to a number of UK and European destinations. Crews were brilliant on all sectors and had only been told that they "may have a bear on board during the week" on their flights, and the first they were aware was when we stepped on board. Flew Birmingham to Brussels ret on DC9 with a crew who we brought back durty free for, and who,s copilots wife was going to have a baby that night !. Got to fly in the cockpit during landing in Birmingham dressed as a Bear which caused a surprise to the rampy !. A good week, and we raised a good sum for Children in Need. Do not know if any BMI crew remember this ?. I think I have some photos some where of Bears picking up cabin crew which I will post if and when found.