I’m looking for the best airline to take from USA to overseas - and traveling advice.
I’ve personally never even been to an airport - so i know NOTHING about air travel and frankly am a bit scared of it..lol. But my husband and I are going to be planning a trip to India (landing in Hyderabad), and we are also thinking of maybe stopping in London first for a day or so. I’m not asking about the trip, but just a good airline to maybe go with. Does anyone on here have any suggestions? I’d like a good confortable ride for both me and my husband since it may be long - and one that offers good service, but also reasonably priced.. spending 5 grand is well within our price range.. and something that is SAFE!!!. Thanks for your opinions and suggestions!! :o)
And if you wanna throw in any other travel tips for us (currency exchange, passports, travel agents, transportation after you land) .. that would be awesome because this will be our very first traveling trip other than traveling by car only a few states from where we live. lol.
And also, we wont be leaving until about 2010 or 2011, and i’ll leave this post open for a good while until we feel like we’ve got things figured out.. so.. even if this post is around for a while - if its still open.. please .. i’d still love some suggestions. :o)
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I’ve had a good experience with Virgin Airlines as well as Delta Airlines. You may have to change airlines in London, in fact you probably will. However, Delta or any big airline will have partnerships with airlines that routinely fly to that part of the world. Also, I would caution you against using discount airlines. I don’t even know if they go overseas, but if they do- you generally get what you pay for. I’ve enjoyed my overseas flights that have TVs on the seats in front of you, if boredom is a big concern for you. Basically, try to use a big, well known, well established airline.
Thanks. :o) I’ve not looked up Virgin or Delta.. i’ll check them out.
Lufthansa is a good airline to travel overseas with. Theres another I always use… but the name is just gone!! lol Ill let you know when it comes back to me!
no problem. and kemmy is right; I’ve flown with Lufthansa as well and they were very good. no TVs, though lol
You may want to check to see if there’s an airline that will give discounted business class tickets- some do. That way- there won’t be such a comfort issue. Star Alliance airlines tend to give some kind of nonrefundable business class- airlines involved with United and USairways. It’s a long ride no matter how you look at it- British Airways tends to have the best connections into India- With the exception of Air India- not exactly the best choice. You’ll need to have visas, too so make sure that your passports are in order and have enough time to get that done.
Interesting choice for you first trip abroad.
kemmy wrote:
Lufthansa is a good airline to travel overseas with. Theres another I always use… but the name is just gone!! lol Ill let you know when it comes back to me!
Ok kemmy, sounds good.. it will be a few years before we go - but we’re looking to find all the information we can now and start saving up and getting everything worked out since we know nothing..lol.
prwie wrote:
no problem. and kemmy is right; I’ve flown with Lufthansa as well and they were very good. no TVs, though lol
Ugh! no TV? … lol. Well.. im probably gonna be pretty tense anyway cuz i’ll be sacred the plan will crash… as long as they serve some wine or something - even though im allergic to alcohol - i’ll have to drink some to relax me prob..lol
Anyone have any suggestions about riding COACH verses riding BUSINESS???? Especially from like.. texas to the “UK” area.???
Ive never been in business, but coach really isnt that bad. Normally youre pretty tired anyway, so youll probably be asleep. Going from texas? You might want to look into stopping in DC or New York, and going from there to the UK. Otherwise that will be a really really long flight!!
They dont have tvs anymore???
British Airways was amazing during my trip to the UK. In point of fact, they’ve been the best airline I’ve flown on, period. Traveler’s Cheques seem to be the cheapest and safest route of currency, but make sure you don’t keep them all stored in the same place & that they will be secure while you are out. Try to avoid using your credit or debit card overseas, because, while it will probably work, the rate of exchange is usually less-than-favorable. A favourite tip of mine is also to get local cash BEFORE you land in the country, in case of emergency. A large federal bank will probably be your best place to get Rupees, Pounds, and such. This may sound strange, but it might also be helpful to by both a city and tube maps of London and anywhere you’re visiting in India prior to your trip. It will look much less touristy if you don’t have to go fumbling around for maps once you’re there. Barnes and Noble carries a selection of oversees maps, in addition to ample reading on select destinations. I’d highly recommend perusing some books and travel guides before your trip, as they can be indispensable sources of information. Happy flying!
donikowsk wrote:
You may want to check to see if there’s an airline that will give discounted business class tickets- some do. That way- there won’t be such a comfort issue. Star Alliance airlines tend to give some kind of nonrefundable business class- airlines involved with United and USairways. It’s a long ride no matter how you look at it- British Airways tends to have the best connections into India- With the exception of Air India- not exactly the best choice. You’ll need to have visas, too so make sure that your passports are in order and have enough time to get that done. Interesting choice for you first trip abroad.
We’re going over there and staying in Guntur to … um.. whats the best word? Help out i guess. We know some people over there - and we’re gonna bring some money and help feed some kids in the orfinages and children homes and have some dinners for some of the women in the village and just - do what we can while we’re there.. i’d so love that!
Roll your clothes and you’ll fit A LOT more into your suitcase. I was in Britain for 3 weeks, did one load of laundry, and never wore a dirty shirt. The toiletries and soaps are also different overseas, so if you have allergies or preferences, you might want to stock up before hand. On the other hand, trying new things can also be a nice surprise. They had lemon-lime scented shaving cream over in the UK that I was very, very fond of. I used that can on trips for a year or two before it ran out.
TeeJay McFatty!! AWESOME RESPONSES! Thanks so much!.. yes.. we have lots of time to do all that so .. THANKS! something else for me and my husband to do together .. study the countries and places we’re going, buy maps here, and the packing advice!..lol. LOVE YOU!! lol. If you think of other things.. please stop again in the future.. i’ll leave the post up for a while. Im gonna add you and SHOUT you if i have any more traveling questions!..lol.
AmandaLynn edited this post 3 months, 1 week ago. Read the previous text »
I’m looking for the best airline to take from USA to overseas - and traveling advice.
I’ve personally never even been to an airport - so i know NOTHING about air travel and frankly am a bit scared of it..lol. But my husband and I are going to be planning a trip to India (landing in Hyderabad), and we are also thinking of maybe stopping in London first for a day or so. I’m not asking about the trip, but just a good airline to maybe go with. Does anyone on here have any suggestions? I’d like a good confortable ride for both me and my husband since it may be long - and one that offers good service, but also reasonably priced.. spending 5 grand is well within our price range.. and something that is SAFE!!!. Thanks for your opinions and suggestions!! :o)
And if you wanna throw in any other travel tips for us (currency exchange, passports, travel agents, transportation after you land) .. that would be awesome because this will be our very first traveling trip other than traveling by car only a few states from where we live. lol.
kemmy wrote:
Lufthansa is a good airline to travel overseas with. Theres another I always use… but the name is just gone!! lol Ill let you know when it comes back to me!
I agree, Lufthansa.
AmandaLynn wrote:
Anyone have any suggestions about riding COACH verses riding BUSINESS???? Especially from like.. texas to the “UK” area.???
If you can possibly afford it, go business / first class all the way. It is a very very very long trip.
When you get to India you should dress modestly, and your legs should be covered. No revealing blouses. You have to respect their customs (Bollywood notwithstanding). Maybe before you go read the Bhagavad Gita, and take a class or read some books about Indian history and spiritual life.
first class? wow. Amanda Ive always flown coach/economy. Im even afraid of an upgrade since I refuse to get spoiled. Dont get a mind set that coach is below you, sooo many other things to do with SEVERAL thousand dollars. It is a long trip, but Ive always made new friends, lol, its very ummm… sweet falling asleep next to someone and such, and the slow easy conversations. really there is an adventure in everything. Oh and I use expedia to book everything.
No - its not that im putting coach below me - im just worried about the position and sitting in a coach chair for so long…(since i have a few nerv problems in my lower back that makes my legs go to sleep if the chair just catches things wrong). Even sitting in my car does it sometimes. And me and my husband are going to gether to im not really worried who else i’ll be sittin by. And yes - we could spend several thousand dollars in other places.. but.. this is like - the only trip we ever have taken, we have no debt at all, owe no one nothing, have had out house paid off since we were 23, and have been saving up to do something wonderful for out 10th wedding anniversary.. which will be this trip. So i dont see anything wrong with having one time of spoiling in your life..lol… even if my nerves dont act up. And i’ll check with expedia too.
florie wrote:
AmandaLynn wrote:
Anyone have any suggestions about riding COACH verses riding BUSINESS???? Especially from like.. texas to the “UK” area.???If you can possibly afford it, go business / first class all the way. It is a very very very long trip.
When you get to India you should dress modestly, and your legs should be covered. No revealing blouses. You have to respect their customs (Bollywood notwithstanding). Maybe before you go read the Bhagavad Gita, and take a class or read some books about Indian history and spiritual life.
Oh yes.. i deffentally plan on being “unrevealing”..lol. But do you think it would be ok to wait till i get to Guntur with our friends and let her take me shopping for something to wear that looks indian? I mean - i’ll probably wear pants and a normal shirt till i get there - im not sure if a dress is ok.. it would be a long one though. I’ll just have to talk to them some more about that too…lol.
It would be great to go shopping once you get there - that’s perfect, then you’ll fit right in. Maybe wear a long shirt if you have any, or blouses with a long (or at least longish) skirt.
You will love it. :)
AmandaLynn wrote:
TeeJay McFatty!! AWESOME RESPONSES! Thanks so much!.. yes.. we have lots of time to do all that so .. THANKS! something else for me and my husband to do together .. study the countries and places we’re going, buy maps here, and the packing advice!..lol. LOVE YOU!! lol. If you think of other things.. please stop again in the future.. i’ll leave the post up for a while. Im gonna add you and SHOUT you if i have any more traveling questions!..lol.
You are quite welcome, Amanda. Shout anytime and congratulation on your recent nuptials!
I say, British Airways if you want a good comfy flight, and if your going for cheap…. one of the American ones? Delta maybe? They’re the only American one I know that’s international… lol
if you ever get bored, pack a ds or gameboy.
on long road trips i like to play the final fantasy series, my favorite is final fantasy VI (six). the story is deep, almost bottomless.
but my advice, play up to where you fight ultima.
it gets kinda boring afterwards and you might wanna bring a pokemon game like diamond/pearl or firered/leafgreen. dont get any other pokemon games exept maybe crystal if you have a game boy advance, sp, or color.the series gets kinda samey after that but oh well, and super mario advance 2 yoshis island is a pretty good game
if you like old snes games.
you should travel with easy jet
OK I’ve had to make the journey across the pond quite a few times. My personal list is
British Airways, Virgin, Delta = OK
US Airways, Air Canada = avoid!
As to transportation in London, it’s best to use the tube to get everywhere. Everyone uses it, it’s not like in some US cities where everyone drives if they can.
The dollar will probably rise a little bit from its present levels over the next few years, at any rate if it’s Obama, so hold off on getting currency until the rate looks right. Never use a credit card abroad in order to convert money unless you have to, as this usually incurs a higher exchange rate than converting cash at a bank.
I’m assuming you’ve flown before? Because it’s never looked to me like the business class seats are all that much better …
i travled from the US to Italy and then France to the US with Delta. They were pretty awesome. they have good airline partners =] i felt i was treated very well.
AND there seemed to be a trend with the level of hottness of the male stewerds. hehe….even though im sure a couple of them were gay..i digress! :P i recommend delta :D
x
Take a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place and ALWAYS keep it on you. If you must carry a purse, make it one that fits close to your body and keep hold of it. I was in italy and had my bag over my shoulder - I was holding on to my bag (thank God) and when I got off their VERY crowded bus, my uprse came off in my hands as someone tried to cut it off of me! Keep your money in one of those pouches that fit under your clothes. After travelling much overseas I’ve found the most fun way is to find a local that is willing to show you around or suggest local hangouts or places to get the real flavor of a place. On the plane… get up and walk alot unless you cherish swollen water-filled ankles.
I would say to definitely avoid US Airways. We used them for a post-high school trip to Ireland, and while the trip out there went well, the return voyage was terrible. Turns out that our flight out of Philadelphia was delayed, then canceled because the crew didn’t show up. Fortunately they put us up in a hotel and set it up so that we were on the first flight out next morning. Turns out we got up at 5 in the morning for nothing because the crew didn’t arrive for that flight either. It ended up being faster and less painful at that point to rent vans and drive back across 5 or so states.
Much of squishy’s advice sounds good as well. The part about friendly locals makes me think of The Amazing Race ;D
Cannonball Girl wrote:
i traveled from the US to Italy and then France to the US with Delta. They were pretty awesome. they have good airline partners =] i felt i was treated very well. i recommend delta :Dx
Delta has cancelled 3 of my international connection flights leaving me stranded in some very unsavory places recently.
Lufthansa has never left me stuck in an airport.
Contrary to the post above, the last 8 international flights of theirs that I was on had in-seat screens with a wide variety of movies, documentaries & television programs available for personal viewing.
(With that in mind, I suggest that you pack a set of headphones for both you and your husband in order that you might avoid using those inserted in the ears of others. Icky!)
For booking check out: http://www.vayama.com/international-f…
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