Focus On...Airlines

Arranging flights - and choosing the right airline -

can try the patience of even experienced travelers.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Arranging flights to and from your ship can be one of the most challenging aspects of your cruise vacation. Factors such as price and departure and arrival times weigh heavily into the decision-making process, and can leave even the most experienced traveler scratching their head.

For some destinations, there may be only a handful of arrival times and airlines to choose from.  For major routes, like those to many European and North American ports of embarkation, chances are you'll have your pick of the airlines you fly on.  And all that choice can create confusion, particularly if you don't know what amenities are offered by each airline.  Sometimes cheap isn't the way to go, but nor does the most expensive ticket guarantee a stellar experience.  It all comes down to one thing: choice.

Here's a few airlines that really deliver some bang for the buck - and comfort, too.

Air Canada

 Passengers disembark an Air Canada 767 

in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

About eight years ago, most Canadians were united by one thing: a deep dislike of our national airline.  Their service had grown so poor by 2004 that I'd stopped flying with them altogether, preferring to give my hard-earned flight dollars to competing WestJet.  But Air Canada has turned the corner, and they're now my favorite airline to fly anywhere in the world.  Almost every aircraft in the fleet sports new, comfortable seating with Video-on-Demand at every seatback, and their fleet of wide-body Airbus A330, Boeing 767 and 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft make flying internationally a pleasure. 

United Airlines

 A United Express CRJ-700 is seen at Chicago O'Hare.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Three simple words: United Economy Plus.  For a little bit more cash, you get far more space than standard economy class, and that can be a huge lifesaver on long-haul flights.  United's recent merger with Continental Airlines means they now cover an astounding array of routes within the continental United States, and their transoceanic routes are tough to beat.  After a string of so-so flights with them back in 2004, they won us over this past summer with great on-time performance, clean aircraft, and friendly crews.

JetBlue

 A JetBlue A320 takes on passengers and cargo

at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Being Canadian, the number of airlines in the United States mystifies me.  So when I have to travel to the States, I like trying something new, and a flight from Seattle to Long Beach on JetBlue left me endlessly impressed.  JetBlue operates a fleet of narrow-body Airbus A320 and Embraer E190 aircraft to a wide variety of US and Caribbean destinations.  Their pricing comes close to budget airline Southwest, but with a little more features.  Interactive television sets are offered at every seat, along with snack and beverage service.  Service is friendly if informal, but the passengers seem to enjoy it.  JetBlue always seems to get put through the wringer in the press (witness the winter cancellations at JFK or the famous flight-attendant meltdown this past summer), but they offer a stellar product at a price that's tough to beat.


Cathay Pacific

 One of Cathay Pacific's new Boeing 777-300 ER's.

Photo courtesy of Cathay Pacific

Headed for Asia?  Take Cathay Pacific.  Our favorite airline for their fantastic, non-stop, wide-body Boeing 777 service between Hong Kong, Vancouver and New York Kennedy, there's nothing like settling into your bottom of the barrel economy class seat and being asked what type of wine you'd like.  Or if you'd like some water before takeoff.  A little goodie bag of in-flight toiletries, as well as a pillow and blanket, await you on every seat.  Economy Class on Cathay Pacific is as good as first-class on many domestic airlines.  Did we mention there's even a dinner menu?


Icelandair

 Icelandair offers some of the best transatlantic rates

we've seen from North America.

Photo courtesy of Icelandair

Picking a European airline, one might be tempted to go with the most common choices: British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa.  But we like Icelandair for the simple fact that they offer some absolutely incredible deals, particularly if you are looking to fly from North American to Iceland, England, Norway, Germany, and other European destinations.  They utilise narrow-body Boeing 757's that are becoming more common on transatlantic routes, and offer code-share flights with SAS, Finnair, and Alaska Airlines.  They also offer a fantastic layover option for those looking to explore Reykjavik on their way to or from their port of embarkation.

Of course, this is just a small list.  There are many airlines that offer good quality service and comfort, even in economy class.  But the next time you're scratching your head over what airline to take, why not branch out and try something new?

You might be surprised  how enjoyable flying can be; something that is bound to start your cruise off on the right foot.