The Best Long Haul Airline for Economy Passengers ?

AirCooledHeaven

Hi

I have to travel to Sydney next month, flying economy. The best priced airlines are Etihad, Quantas, Cathay Pacific and Singapore.

Before booking I was wondering which of these airlines provides the best overall service for economy passengers? Also I'm 6' 2" so I really don't want to spend 25 hours with my knees tucked under my chin.

If anyone has any experiences they can share it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Lyz_Fox

I have flown with quite a few of the mentioned airlines and others but I have found Qantas to be the best by a long way.
If it comes as any more of a reccomendation I am also flying to Sydney next montha nd will be travelling with them
Thanks

Sam_Bee

They are all roughly similar.

If Malaysian are only slightly more, consider them as they have 34 inch seat pitch, most others are 31-32 inch. It'll make the difference if you don't wish to upgrade.

yenners

I like Singapore airlines. The service is great and you can pre-book the emergency exit seats (the ones next to the doors so have loads of legroom). My husband is 6'3" and I have successfully booked his emergency exit seats a few weeks before our flights. You can call them up as soon as you have booked your tickets to secure the emergency exit seats.

Malaysia arlines will give emergency exits seats to tall passengers only, so you'll stand a good chance. You will need to check in early at Heathrow (try to get there at least 3 hours before your flight) and ask for the seats when you're checking in. The only problem with Malaysian airlines is that they seem to be a bit tight with food. I often get hungry between meals and have to ask for snacks.

cundall

All about the same though i would fly with either Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines (i think Singapore airlines is better but it's a much of a much) with a stop in HongKong or Singapore to break the trip...

yenners

I fly long haul quite a bit, unfortunately in economy and have found these to be essential for a more comfortable flight:

1. earplugs - a godsend for blocking out the engine noise

2. Eye mask - invest in a good one. You want one that completely blacks out any light and made of soft fabric.

3. Your own headphones - these in ear ones by sennheiser are brilliant. They cut out outside sound and are crystal clear. No more having to put the volume to max trying to hear the in flight movie. They are only £15.99 from Amazon and I have found them a godsend when travelling (I paid over £20 for them from Amazon a year ago) - all you need is to buy a headphone jack to use them on the plane - they cost about £4.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-CX300-Eco-Headphones-Black/dp/B000S8EUNM/ref=sr_1_89/203-4398819-2987901?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187613102&sr=1-89

4. Herbal Nytol - from Boots. Once your ear plugs and eye mask are on, pop a couple of these beauties and you should be sleeping like a baby.

Plus, because I'm a girl, I always have my Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Mask and a good lip balm with me. Essential for making sure your skin doesn't dry out!

PS. Another reason to fly with Singapore Aire - the duty free shops at Changi are excellent!

Voyager2002

I think you should fly with China Eastern (via Shanghai). That way, you will really appreciate Australia. Guaranteed to make you glad to arrive, and sorry to leave.

moonrakerz

Have a look at:

http://www.seatguru.com/

Personally, I like Cathy Pacific.

TomsMom

yenners wrote: »

3. Your own headphones - these in ear ones by sennheiser are brilliant. They cut out outside sound and are crystal clear. No more having to put the volume to max trying to hear the in flight movie. They are only £15.99 from Amazon and I have found them a godsend when travelling (I paid over £20 for them from Amazon a year ago) - all you need is to buy a headphone jack to use them on the plane - they cost about £4.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sennheiser-CX300-Eco-Headphones-Black/dp/B000S8EUNM/ref=sr_1_89/203-4398819-2987901?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1187613102&sr=1-89

That's something I've been thinking of Yenners. Can you tell me where I can get a headphone jack please.

Donnie

Since they've all been recommended apart from Etihad, I'll recommend Etihad. They are very helpful. Ask for a note of your height to be put on the booking and your request for an exit seat.
The seat I received had about 2 metres of leg space. That's not an exaggeration. Food was good and the staff were friendly and attentive. Always seem to have a few babies on the flight. Luckily I child friendly, so the slightly older ones generally attach themselves to me. Making paper planes a few days ago...

AirCooledHeaven

TomsMom wrote: »

That's something I've been thinking of Yenners. Can you tell me where I can get a headphone jack please.

Hi, you can get one from Maplin for £1.50, here's the link:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=996&C=Froogle&U=996&T=Alias&MA=6.35mm%20plug%20to%203.5mm%20socket