Shuffling through the first class cabin to reach my cheap coach seat usually depresses me. The sight of fully reclining chaises and oodles of leg room makes me envious and resentful. That is until I flew Delta from Detroit to San Francisco two weeks ago. The thrifty looking cramped first class was second-rate on my flight. Back in coach, for which I’d paid $160.50 for my seat from Scranton, PA to SFO (change in Detroit), I had a whole row to myself. Sweet.
While boarding a Southwest flight, I heard the flight attendants, as they tried to hustle passengers into seats, joke, “It’s all first class today, folks.” I love the egalitarian approach to discount flights embraced by Southwest and Jet Blue.
Qatar is best for international flights. The airline doesn’t charge for luggage, carry-on bags or food. On my flight from Denpasar, Bali, to JFK two months ago the flight attendants made available for the entire flight a dolly full of snacks. This was on top of the three meals they served. Plus, everyone received a tiny swag bag with socks, earplugs, toothbrush and eye mask. Qatar flight attendants, a decidedly international assemblage, seem happy. They reminded me of a coed version of the PanAm (TV show) crew.
Two of India’s carriers, Jet Airways and Kingfisher, give coach customers the royal treatment. Neither charge for bags and both serve excellent vegetarian fare. A big bonus: Jet Airways assigns reps to greet customers at baggage claim and usher us out of the airport. I can’t decide if this is creepy or brilliant—but the reps always know our names without asking.
China Airlines’ fares are reliably low, if you can book a seat—they tend to sell out months in advance. When I fly internationally I find that almost any non-US based carrier will be more comfortable than United and American. Continental sales on flights to India during late spring are unbeatable.
More reasons to love Southwest: 10 Ways to Get Kicked Off a Plane
excellent tips, Lynn. I fully agree about Jet Airways and other non-U.S. airlines giving top service. Keep the great tips coming!