There are so many different types of aircraft crossing the pond now from A318 to A380 via 757,767,777 etc. I have to wonder do we have now the most number of different types of aircraft on these routes? Limiting it to commercial aircraft, what is your preferred metal traveling across the Atlantic and why? I know that this can be skewed by airline affiliation but please try to keep it as free from this as possible.
Mine would have to be an aircraft no longer seen on these routes - the A300. It was my first experience with twins across a large body of water and it just seemed so smooth and quiet and big (even though I had flown early 747s across the ocean).
Julian
[Edited 2010-03-14 00:55:58]
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Recently flew on KLM's MD-11 to/from SFO, and I loved it: definitely my favorite !!!
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I've flown 757's and 777 from the east coast to LHR, and obviously prefer the triple 7, because of the twin aisle (relative) comfort. But with good trade winds, you can make it to Western Europe in 5-6 hours, that means the narrow 757 isn't too painful. But I always try and book a flight on a 767 or 777, if I am flexible with my travels. There is something special about flying on the heavies.
-
- Danfearn77
- Posts: 616
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting HOOB747 (Reply 2): But I always try and book a flight on a 767 or 777, if I am flexible with my travels. There is something special about flying on the heavies. |
Same here. If my travel is flexible i go for 340's/777's or A380's. In October i took my first A346 flight with VS to JFK and i loved it. For me it beat the MAN-MCO 747 a few years earlier, not sure why but it just did.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I prefer any twin aisle aircraft (with preferences on the Airbus A330-300) but comes to my mind the great aircraft that was the Boeing 757-200 and where I made my first "cross the Atlantic" when I was 11.
Regards,
Gerard
Regards,
Gerard
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
While in general I prefer the heavies, too, the additional time for ground handling is putting me off; this is especially true, when I am flying in Business Class and there is just a general crowd hanging around in front of the departure gate (but mainly the airport and the airline are to be blamed for this, IMO).
Best positive example I had was a flight in a PrivatAir's BBJ flying for KL AMS to IAH with 20 pax only: Ne need to remove bag with (allowed) liquids from carry-on for screening at the gate. And: While I was paying a short visit to the toilet in the gate area, boarding was announced - when I returned, the gate area was already deserted.
Negative aspects of the BBJ I had, was lacking IFE (not of concern to me) and fairly small lavatories (surely smaller than on the Airbii).
I was worried a bit about flying that long in such a small (=narrow) cabin, but it was no problem.
When using the heavies, I prefer the Airbii (330/340) with their 6-abreast seating in C.
-HT
Best positive example I had was a flight in a PrivatAir's BBJ flying for KL AMS to IAH with 20 pax only: Ne need to remove bag with (allowed) liquids from carry-on for screening at the gate. And: While I was paying a short visit to the toilet in the gate area, boarding was announced - when I returned, the gate area was already deserted.
Negative aspects of the BBJ I had, was lacking IFE (not of concern to me) and fairly small lavatories (surely smaller than on the Airbii).
I was worried a bit about flying that long in such a small (=narrow) cabin, but it was no problem.
When using the heavies, I prefer the Airbii (330/340) with their 6-abreast seating in C.
-HT
-
- coachclass
- Posts: 365
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I think you need to evaluate the airline seating arrangement and service on board. I thnk the A340-600 is incredibly beautiful inside and out; however, I had one of the worst flights ever with Lufthansa sitting on the inside of the four seat section with--allegedly--31" pitch. It's difficult to get in or out and absolutely a nightmare when the people in front of you recline their seats.
-
- Danfearn77
- Posts: 616
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting CoachClass (Reply 6): and absolutely a nightmare when the people in front of you recline their seats. |
I found that the same with the VS 346 too.
| Quoting CoachClass (Reply 6): I think the A340-600 is incredibly beautiful inside and out; |
Inside is a very nice place to be indeed. Aside the LHR-JFK flight i have already mentioned i had the pleasure of doing LHR-HKG-SYD in a A346 in December. The only aircraft to eclipse it would be the SQ A380 for inside 'aesthetic' comfort.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
A340 and A330 simply because they are by far the quietest. Flying close to 10 hours from YVR to points in Europe one can appreciate the extra comfort.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
777. I like the cavernous feel of the cabin.
2nd favorite: A330. It's quieter but not quite as spacious.
Least favorite: 767.
I have not had the misfortune of flying a NB TATL.
2nd favorite: A330. It's quieter but not quite as spacious.
Least favorite: 767.
I have not had the misfortune of flying a NB TATL.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I've travelled on B777, A310 & A330-300 TATL.
My favourite was the A330. Skyservice, 2-4-2, still spacious feeling.
My favourite was the A330. Skyservice, 2-4-2, still spacious feeling.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
My favourite seat would be the aisle seat of the '2s' on 767s and A330/40s, as you have the aisle and are near the window too!
The A340 gains through quietness, this is more of a benefit on the longer flights.
The A340 gains through quietness, this is more of a benefit on the longer flights.
-
- FlyingColours
- Posts: 2369
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Concorde 
My first aircraft was an A300, incidentally across the Atlantic so I guess I'd say that, though I don't really have a preference. I've done the 763 as a passenger too and it wasn't too bad.
I've unfortunately done the 757-200 as well, it was bad enough for us crew so I don't want to even think what it was like for the folks who paid for the experience.
Would love to try the 747 and A380 too
Phil
FlyingColours
My first aircraft was an A300, incidentally across the Atlantic so I guess I'd say that, though I don't really have a preference. I've done the 763 as a passenger too and it wasn't too bad.
I've unfortunately done the 757-200 as well, it was bad enough for us crew so I don't want to even think what it was like for the folks who paid for the experience.
Would love to try the 747 and A380 too
Phil
FlyingColours
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
In a perfect world I'd rather fly 747s trans-Atlantic, but since most of my trips are to visit friends in Devon, I'm willing to trade a little comfort for a 757-200 flying directly to BRS.
-
- UltimateDelta
- Posts: 2234
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I've flown the 767 and A330 (and apparently the 747, but I was less than a year old) TATL. I like the 767 because it's sort of the original trans-Atlantic airplane, but I also like the A330 for its insane (sometimes excessive) spaciousness.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
The queen of the skies 747 all the way, BA and LH, to me the queen is the most comfortable aircraft.
Simply the best!
Simply the best!
-
- Superman24
- Posts: 35
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Flew with LH 4 years ago JFK to FRA on a B747 and I told myself I would never fly an outdated 747, and especially LH again in my life.
Low and behold, the following year I flew LH on a 343 in First class from YUL to MUC and I told myself I would never fly anything other then LH and I would never fly anything other then First class again.
Thank you LH!!!
Therefore my choice of preference is def. the 343, 333. I also flew KLM from JFK in a 777 and I thought it was amazing!!!!!
Low and behold, the following year I flew LH on a 343 in First class from YUL to MUC and I told myself I would never fly anything other then LH and I would never fly anything other then First class again.
Thank you LH!!!
Therefore my choice of preference is def. the 343, 333. I also flew KLM from JFK in a 777 and I thought it was amazing!!!!!
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I have flown the 777, the 747, the A 330 and the MD 11.I have to say I prefer the A330
-
- citationjet
- Posts: 2609
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I have flown the VC-10, 707-320, 741, 742, 743, 744, 747SP, 767-200, 767-300, 777-200, DC-8, DC-10, A343, and A346 across the pond, The 747s and 777 were always memorable. The A346 is a beautiful aircraft.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
If it isn't going down in flames with a wing missing, I'm happy to fly on it.
I'd fly a single engine cessna on a delivery flight via Nuuk, Reykjavik, Vagar and down to the UK if it got me there. Might even be a lot of fun too
I'd fly a single engine cessna on a delivery flight via Nuuk, Reykjavik, Vagar and down to the UK if it got me there. Might even be a lot of fun too
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Give me 3 or 4 engines and I am happy.
747
A380
A340
IL-96
IL-62
MD-11
DC-10
707
DC-8
747
A380
A340
IL-96
IL-62
MD-11
DC-10
707
DC-8
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
My prefered plane across the Atlantic is the one taking me to Brazil.
-
- B747forever
- Posts: 14084
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I have only flown on the 744 across the pond, so cannot give you a valid answer.
This summer I will be flying for the first time on the 777 and 757 across the Atlantic, so will be interesting to see how these aircraft compare to the 747.
This summer I will be flying for the first time on the 777 and 757 across the Atlantic, so will be interesting to see how these aircraft compare to the 747.
-
- OlympicATH
- Posts: 374
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Long-haul, I have flown: A330, A340, 747, 767, 777
I would choose the A330 or A340 anytime. They are spacious, super quiet and the 8-abreast seating is very comfortable. (YUL-CDG on a 9-abreast Air Transat A330 with no PTVs was one of my worst flights ever.)
My experience on the 767 (AC CDG-YYZ) was not the best. I found the plane to be too small for such a long flight (no, I haven't flown the 757 long-haul).
The 777 is a great big plane but it's rather loud and the layout feels less spacious, especially if you have a window seat.
I would choose the A330 or A340 anytime. They are spacious, super quiet and the 8-abreast seating is very comfortable. (YUL-CDG on a 9-abreast Air Transat A330 with no PTVs was one of my worst flights ever.)
My experience on the 767 (AC CDG-YYZ) was not the best. I found the plane to be too small for such a long flight (no, I haven't flown the 757 long-haul).
The 777 is a great big plane but it's rather loud and the layout feels less spacious, especially if you have a window seat.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I've never flown a widebody across the pond... so the 757 wins for me!
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
The smaller the better, it gives you more the feeling you are flying, so I would go for the A318 and 757. And seats are the same anyway.
-
- kimberlyRJ
- Posts: 249
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
For me:
Working it will have to be the good old Boeing 747-400 – love her and while she will ALWAYS have a spot close to my heart I can’t wait to serve on the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380
Now as a passenger, I like the Boeing 777-200 or once again the Boeing 747-400. I must admit when I get to fly VS (thanks to a good friend) I love their Airbus A346’s – great aircraft the sound on takeoff even up front in Upper is amazing!
Smaller aircraft – well having flown as a passenger both the Airbus A318 and the Boeing 752 I am going to go for the Airbus A318, the little kid on the block has a surprising punch for her size
Kimberly
Ps. I have heard quite a few cabin crew saying they don’t like to work the A318 – limited galley space I think – not sure.
Working it will have to be the good old Boeing 747-400 – love her and while she will ALWAYS have a spot close to my heart I can’t wait to serve on the Boeing 777-300 and the Airbus A380
Now as a passenger, I like the Boeing 777-200 or once again the Boeing 747-400. I must admit when I get to fly VS (thanks to a good friend) I love their Airbus A346’s – great aircraft the sound on takeoff even up front in Upper is amazing!
Smaller aircraft – well having flown as a passenger both the Airbus A318 and the Boeing 752 I am going to go for the Airbus A318, the little kid on the block has a surprising punch for her size
Kimberly
Ps. I have heard quite a few cabin crew saying they don’t like to work the A318 – limited galley space I think – not sure.
-
- TurkishWings
- Posts: 1244
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting MH017 (Reply 1): Recently flew on KLM's MD-11 to/from SFO, and I loved it |
Same here... Such a beautiful aircraft...
So far, I crossed the Atlantic on:
LH: 343,346,742 and 744
AF: 332,744
CO: 772
KL: MD-11, 744, 772
NW: 333
And my favorites were the AF 330 and LH 346... The 2-4-2 seating was definitely a plus and the cabins on both aircraft were very very quiet...
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Ive flown :
MD11 B747-200/B747-400 A330 B777 L10-11 B767
My favourite has to be the MD11 and L10-11
When I get to try the A380 across the pond then it maybe my top , not sure yet.
MD11 B747-200/B747-400 A330 B777 L10-11 B767
My favourite has to be the MD11 and L10-11
When I get to try the A380 across the pond then it maybe my top , not sure yet.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Flown on:
747-200 (KL), 747-400 (KL), 767-300ER (AC, CP), 767-400ER (DL)
I certainly loved DL's 764, since it had comfortable leather seats and a decent AVOD system. Cabin felt very fresh despite the aircraft (N830MH) being 9 years old.
747-200 (KL), 747-400 (KL), 767-300ER (AC, CP), 767-400ER (DL)
I certainly loved DL's 764, since it had comfortable leather seats and a decent AVOD system. Cabin felt very fresh despite the aircraft (N830MH) being 9 years old.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I've flown the:
A346
772
744
A330
DC-10-40
Across the Atlantic in First, Business, and Economy
The:
772
In business and economy to South America
The:
744
773
772
in First, Business, and Economy to Asia
Obviously most of my experience is on Boeing's largest widebodies. Personally, if I have a premium seat, I really like the 777 family, in particular the 773ER. The 744 has nostalgia, but while not looking "outdated" per se, it doesn't have quite the interior beauty of the 773ER!
Now, I recently flew the A346 of LH and I LOVED the aircraft. The Y seats are horrid, but it's a nice big heavy aircraft to fly for 9 or so hours on. Though, it's really not any quieter than a 777. I think noise and these classes of aircraft are all dependent on where you are sitting in reference to the engines. The further behind you are, the louder it will be.
UAL
A346
772
744
A330
DC-10-40
Across the Atlantic in First, Business, and Economy
The:
772
In business and economy to South America
The:
744
773
772
in First, Business, and Economy to Asia
Obviously most of my experience is on Boeing's largest widebodies. Personally, if I have a premium seat, I really like the 777 family, in particular the 773ER. The 744 has nostalgia, but while not looking "outdated" per se, it doesn't have quite the interior beauty of the 773ER!
Now, I recently flew the A346 of LH and I LOVED the aircraft. The Y seats are horrid, but it's a nice big heavy aircraft to fly for 9 or so hours on. Though, it's really not any quieter than a 777. I think noise and these classes of aircraft are all dependent on where you are sitting in reference to the engines. The further behind you are, the louder it will be.
UAL
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting OlympicATH (Reply 23): My experience on the 767 (AC CDG-YYZ) was not the best. I found the plane to be too small for such a long flight (no, I haven't flown the 757 long-haul). |
Was it XM'ed?
| Quoting OlympicATH (Reply 23): YUL-CDG on a 9-abreast Air Transat A330 with no PTVs was one of my worst flights ever. |
At least on TS is was an A330 and not an A310, although they don't have PTV's I'm surprised that they didn't give out portable entertainment units to rent for a flight that long.
-
- dc9northwest
- Posts: 2270
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I'll go ahead and say the A330, because the A340 scares me on take-off (you know, there's usually barely any runway left) and I had a bad CDG-ATL flight on the 767. Not that I mind the others, but if given the choice I'll take a 2-X-2 over anything else.
I've noticed jet lag and general fatigue decrease a lot if there are no PTVs on the aircraft (which is surprising because I generally did not even want to consider flights without PTVs a few years ago).
I've noticed jet lag and general fatigue decrease a lot if there are no PTVs on the aircraft (which is surprising because I generally did not even want to consider flights without PTVs a few years ago).
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Because it was the first time, I'd have to go for a 707.
More recently I've travelled on 742, 744, 777, 767, 333, 343 and 346 - not yet the 380 transatlantic and if I did I'd bet it would come first (been on it to the East from London, just not West). Of these I still like the spaciousness of a 747 in the nose, or the 777, but both are noisy so give me a 346 anytime in a suite or stood at the bar!
More recently I've travelled on 742, 744, 777, 767, 333, 343 and 346 - not yet the 380 transatlantic and if I did I'd bet it would come first (been on it to the East from London, just not West). Of these I still like the spaciousness of a 747 in the nose, or the 777, but both are noisy so give me a 346 anytime in a suite or stood at the bar!
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
This, of course.....
View Large View Medium
Photo © Francois-Xavier Simon
.....although I'd settle for this on the eastbound trip.....
View Large View Medium
Photo © Matt D
......a pity there are no photos of it at JFK in the database.
By the way, how has the strike affected BA001/002?
[Edited 2010-03-26 21:11:19]
Photo © Francois-Xavier Simon
.....although I'd settle for this on the eastbound trip.....
Photo © Matt D
......a pity there are no photos of it at JFK in the database.
By the way, how has the strike affected BA001/002?
[Edited 2010-03-26 21:11:19]
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Definitely the A380. I had the chance to fly it 3 times on the JFK route and it's just great
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I have been a passenger on the 747, 330, 343, 346, 767 and 777 across the atlantic. My favorite by far is the Airbus 346, not only because they are the newest of the bunch and look and feel very modern inside, but the A346 is super quiet from the nose to the tail compared. The Airbus 2-4-2 economy config is so much more comfortable, although the 777 seats feel much wider on most airlines.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
Have flown 742, 767, 744 & 772 favourite was the 744. Would have liked the 772 but for some reason I just don't like a 2-5-2 seating config.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting maddog888 (Thread starter): I have to wonder do we have now the most number of different types of aircraft on these routes? |
Just wondering about the opposite end of this scale. In what era was there the fewest aircraft types operating scheduled pax services across the pond? I'm thinking mid-late 1970's say 1975-77..741/2, L1011, DC10...any VC10s or 707s still operating transatlantic then?
-
- dc9northwest
- Posts: 2270
- Joined:
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
| Quoting EDICHC (Reply 39): Just wondering about the opposite end of this scale. In what era was there the fewest aircraft types operating scheduled pax services across the pond? I'm thinking mid-late 1970's say 1975-77..741/2, L1011, DC10...any VC10s or 707s still operating transatlantic then? |
I believe RO operated a 707 on their JFK route that started in 1974. There's a RO 707 in the database at JFK in 1979. They might have also used their IL-62s to Montreal (though I'm unsure when that started).
Also, I'm pretty sure SU used an IL-62 on their Havana route, but again... not sure about '75-'77. Apparently they used the Il-62 to New York as well, according to the photo database.
RE: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
CSA's A310 in business class from EWR - PRG. It was a few years ago, but still ranks among my best TATL experiences. 
Re: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
The old ones are faster, hence the 747 or MD11. Can make a difference of half an hour less time spent in the air.
-
- BawliBooch
- Posts: 1907
- Joined:
Re: Preferred Aircraft Across The Atlantic
I loved the 747-200's for LH as a kid.
But among the aircraft now, it would have to be the A340/A330 - smooth & very quiet. Unfortunately, most practical flights I find these days based on cost/time are 777's. Nice aircraft (with the 3-3-3 config) , but comparatively very loud in the cabin.
But among the aircraft now, it would have to be the A340/A330 - smooth & very quiet. Unfortunately, most practical flights I find these days based on cost/time are 777's. Nice aircraft (with the 3-3-3 config) , but comparatively very loud in the cabin.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: stlgph and 40 guests