BAKYUNHAM From South Africa, joined Feb 2001, 48 posts, RR: 0 Posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 729 times:
Which Skyteam airline (Air France, Alitalia or Delta) provides the best transatlantic service. I am particularly interested in finding out about seat pitch in economy, what aircraft have PTV's and how the food is. Any info about Delta's 767, 777 or MD-11, Air France 744, 777, or A340 and Alitalia 767, 742 or MD-11 willbe appreciated. Should I even consider CSA Czech,what is it like? Thanks.
9V-SPF From Germany, joined Sep 2001, 1375 posts, RR: 4 Reply 1, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 2 days ago) and read 666 times:
PTV´s are installed on Delta´s 777´s and on AF A330´s, A340´s and B777´s (Economy Class).
Seat pitch should be approximately 32" on all three airlines in Coach Class.
Food is known to be over average on Air France but I have never tried it myself.
Personally I would try to get on a DL or AZ MD-11 because I´ve never been on that airplane.
UK_Dispatcher From United Arab Emirates, joined Dec 2001, 2550 posts, RR: 33 Reply 2, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 2 days ago) and read 661 times:
I think you should consider CSA Czech Airlines, if you're anything like me. I like to try the 'different' airlines where I can, and not just the 'big 10'.
Herbman From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 649 times:
I have flown DL, AF, and AZ. I am very sorry but I prefer the old Sky Team member SABENA. A332, inseats..rules!
But DL and AF are quite ok. AF have checked our luggage in a wrong plane, after a transatlantic flight, our connection back to DUS was canelled, six houres later
we tuched down at DUS without our luggage. But the onboard service was tariffic .
Regards
Sebastian
Traveler From Canada, joined Jul 2001, 241 posts, RR: 2 Reply 4, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 644 times:
Hello,
I have flown with CSA about 8 times and I really think they are ok. They are no better or worse than any other airliners.
They use an Airbus-310-300 for thei Transatlantic flights to JFK-YYZ and YUL flights. Thay also have excellent prices. One more thing, I have always been upgraded in Business Class whenever I asked for an upgrade.
AirFranceJFK From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 471 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 618 times:
I think it's fair to say that of the major transatlantic Skyteam members (CSA, Alitalia, Delta & Air France), AF is clearly the preferred carrier. I say this not because I work for AF, but because of my experience in dealing with passengers, who are often mad as hell when they find out that their code share AF sky team flight is really on DL. The AF product, including the aircraft, food and staff is much superior to any of the Skyteam partners. AF staff, particularly the ground crew undergoes one of the most rigorous trainings of any airline that I know. As for the aircrafts, AF flies the B777, B747-400 and A330/340. Compare this to CSA's A310's, Alitalia's 747 classics and Delta's 767/MD-11. Food wise, hey, its French!
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 10 Reply 6, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 612 times:
From people who I know who have flown on both DL Bus. Elite and AF First Class, they say that they are about the same thing.
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
DLMCO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 7, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 600 times:
I have flown recently to CDG aboard AF and to FCO aboard DL, both on B763. Neither had PTV's. Not to say anything bad about AF, but the service aboard DL was clearly better. Though everyone raves about the food aboard AF, it has been my experience that the quality of food is not dependent on the airline, rather the originating airport.
DeltaSFO From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 2488 posts, RR: 24 Reply 9, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 535 times:
I think it's fair to say that of the major transatlantic Skyteam members (CSA, Alitalia, Delta & Air France), AF is clearly the preferred carrier. I say this not because I work for AF, but because of my experience in dealing with passengers, who are often mad as hell when they find out that their code share AF sky team flight is really on DL. The AF product, including the aircraft, food and staff is much superior to any of the Skyteam partners. AF staff, particularly the ground crew undergoes one of the most rigorous trainings of any airline that I know.
That's interesting... in dealing with my Delta passengers, I often find that they are equally angry to find out that their codeshare flights are on AF. I would definitely disagree with your assertion that the AF product is better overall than the Delta product. Having flown Delta BusinessElite and Air France L'Espace 127, I'll take Delta's product anyday. The BizElite seat is far superior. Inflight service is more attentive, and on AF it was very obvious that the Flight Attendants were providing far better service to those passengers who spoke French. BizElite food--don't shoot me here--is far more enjoyable for me than AF food was.
I've found that AF ground staff at CDG are the worst I've ever encountered. Surly attitudes, frequent strikes, and on top of it, the AF staff handling DL in CDG go out of their way to treat the Delta passengers like crap.
Obviously, AirFranceJFK, my viewpoint is different from yours. I'm a Delta person and I judge every airline pretty much by how it compares to Delta. I'm not bashing AF, and I actually think AF is getting a lot better. But where AF is finally starting to overcome a poor service reputation, Delta has been established as a "good" airline for quite awhile now, notwithstanding all the pimply faced teenagers on this forum who hate Delta for one stupid reason or another.
CDG is an excellent hub, with nice facilities and great growth potential, which is something that LHR and FRA lack. AF/DL has become a major transatlantic power through the use of superhubs at ATL and CDG.
It's a new day. Every moment matters. Now, more than ever.
Cba From United States of America, joined Jul 2000, 4530 posts, RR: 3 Reply 10, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 14 hours ago) and read 515 times:
I'd take AF over DL any day. DeltaSFO, I think you should try Air France's food again. It is excellent. I found the ground crew at CDG to be rather nice, except for this one bitchy agent. The main reason that Delta customers don't get along well with the AF f/a's and ground staff is simple; cultural differences. In France or on Air France, if you smile, and say bonjour, you will be treated in a very friendly manner. Always remember to include a merci at the end. Why? The French are very polite, and if you don't greet and thank them, it's like you are turning your nose up on them. Mere cultural differences.
BAKYUNHAM From South Africa, joined Feb 2001, 48 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 4 hours ago) and read 488 times:
Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm surprised to hear so many negative things about Air France. I am not a big fan of Delta's domestic product, flying SFO-ATL-JNB I was extremely impressed with SAA and was miserable on Delta's 757. Does Delta's international product differ greatly from it's domestic product, for example is there more room (seat pitch) on internationally configured planes?
FTraveler From United States of America, joined May 2001, 72 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 3 hours ago) and read 486 times:
Unfortunately, DL's international economy is the same as its domestic coach. It stinks! The only comfortable seats in DL's cattle car class are exit rows - but they are generally reserved for Medallion members. Bulkheads aren't that bad, at least someone can't recline in your lap. I've never flown AF economy on transatlantic flights, but understand that the pitch is greater than DL's.
If you can travel in business class, DL's BusinessElite seats are far superior to Air France's L'Espace Affaires business seats.
DeltaSFO From United States of America, joined Nov 2000, 2488 posts, RR: 24 Reply 14, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week 3 hours ago) and read 484 times:
Actually, I beg to differ. Delta coach on the 767s is not bad at all. I'm 6'1" and I can get comfortable in coach on our 767s, whether they're international or domestic configuration.
Delta's seat pitch is predominant 32' or so, just like most every major carrier, including Air France.
The 777's comfort level in coach should be greatly increased by the reconfigurations currently being done on Delta's 777 fleet.
Of course, given the choice between Delta BusinessElite and Delta coach, you wouldn't be surprised by what I choose. I'm only human....
It's a new day. Every moment matters. Now, more than ever.
Captain.MD-11 From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2001, 703 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (11 years 4 months 1 week ago) and read 468 times:
In a few weeks I will get back from the states after flying both AF and Delta across the pond. I will write a trip report and as I am neither for or against either airline it should a fair conclusion. Of course service varies, as to which crew you get, or even the aircraft that you fly on. For example none of the planes I am on have PTV's so it may change my view on the overall levels of comfort. Whatever happens I will enjoy the flights............
DL21 MD-11
AF95 744
That is the reason I flew AF/DL!!!!!!!!!
Twins,twins, everywhere.... but where are the three holers?
Exusair From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 684 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (11 years 4 months 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 446 times:
The A/F JFK guy was bragging about the training and staff that all A/F employees go through.
Too bad they strike so frequently that they cannot put their training to good use. Last week the Cargo workers struck in CDG. Result....literally over 10,000 pieces of luggage still in CDG. The passengers are at their destinations...sans baggage.
The caterers are presently on strike in CDG. All of the DL food is flown over from the US for the return flight.
Perhaps the passenger service agents should go through a course in being nice to customers.
As for who to choose. Select the lowest fare available and a flight that fits into your schedule. It is basically a homogenous product between the carriers. You are paying for transportation. The DL flight from ATL tend to be full, so being stuck in a middle seat is quite possible if you book too late.
The DL B-777 is awful in coach. The seats suck (too cramped). None of the planes have gone thorugh the overhaul as mentioned by DL DFO.
Ap7570 From France, joined Sep 2001, 137 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (11 years 4 months 6 days 14 hours ago) and read 426 times:
Quelle question !!!
Entre Delta, Alitalia, CSA, et Air France... C'est biensur Air France...
Air France is the best airline I have ever flown, I must admit the French are sometimes mean ( I admit, im French) but overall the food is divine, all classes. duty fre choices is like going to Saks and the comfort is great.
Faire du ciel le plus bel endoit de la terre.
Air France
Sponsor Message: 
From South Africa, joined Feb 2001, 48 posts, 
From Germany, joined Sep 2001, 1375 posts, 
From United Arab Emirates, joined Dec 2001, 2550 posts, 
.
From Canada, joined Jul 2001, 241 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 471 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2001, 173 posts, 
From Netherlands, joined Dec 2001, 796 posts, 
From France, joined Sep 2001, 137 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
