Need opinions and advice on trip

[SWVA]

I am probably going to fly to LAX early this summer to visit some family. So here are my questions. First, I have never flown before. Anyway, I will be flying out of Tri-Cities, TN, (TRI). Which carrier should I choose.

A. DELTA Connection (ASA, ACA, or Comair) flying on either a CRJ, ATR72, or Fairchild Dornier 328 Jet, or Brasilia to either Cincinnati or Atlanta.

B. Northwest Airlink- flying a Saab 340 to Memhis for connection to LAX

C. US Airways either a Dornier 328 or a Dash-8 to either Pittsburg or Charlotte.

D. American Connection - a J32 (19 passenger) to Nashville.

The price varies for the roundtrip ticket between 300-400 depending on departure date. I have done alot of research, but I thought I could use some experienced opinions. THANKS.

[tommyalf]

I'd stay away from Delta they really don't offer anything special. If you fly American you'll enjoy "More Room Throughout Coach" which really makes a difference when flying longer flights in coach. If you fly Northwest you may have the opportunity to fly a real classic like a DC-10. US Airways offers good service with ok onboard service.

If this were my first time flying I'd see what type of aircraft Northwest is using to LAX. If it's a DC-10 then I'd go with Northwest just have the chance to fly a classic Tri-jet. Those days won't be around too much longer. Otherwise I'd fly American or US Airways.

[Radomir]

I'll jump in to say that my criteria for choosing flights like these is:

1. Price

2. Airline (for FF, so Delta's a natural choice for me)

3. Equipment -- a lot of times you can choose different itineraries for the same price, and pick the one that's served by a plane you've never flown on etc...

Last year I went to LAX with Continental, and chose the itinerary so I can catch a ride on a 757-300 (the thing was pretty much brand new)... And I picked the real "round" trip -- CLT-CLE-LAX-IAH-CLT

[FlyingTexan]

Wow, this is your first time flying? You will have the time of your life!

:nod:

I say go with Delta (for the ATR)!!! Plus, you will prob. get the widest variety of aircraft - Regional/Prop TRI-ATL, widebody ATL-LAX, possb. you could return via DFW and ATL?

Enjoy!

[Radomir]

Ugh.. I missed that little piece of information -- good catch Texan :)

yes, what I really wanted to say -- Delta gets my vote too...

[SWVA]

Delta is using a 767-300 from ATL-LAX, I noticed one leg is using a 767-400 with a 757 on return.

US Airways and NW I noticed was using an Airbus forget which model i am thinking a 321 and 320 respectively. NW also had a flight with a 767 I think but no DC-10.

American was using a 737 I think and also 757. Also with AA from LAX-DFW-ATL would be an MD80 I think I am correct.

Would you go with a Regional Jet or TurboProp? I really like the NWA Saab 340's though.

[PolishAir42]

"US Airways and NW I noticed was using an Airbus forget which model i am thinking a 321 and 320 respectively. NW also had a flight with a 767 I think but no DC-10. "

Northwest dosent operate 767 aircraft mate

[FlyingTexan]

You are obviously an aviation enthusiast, and new to flying. Due to those two factors, I’d say try for the greatest variety of equipment and maximum number of connections (within reason).

That is why I recommend Delta. They have large operations at ATL, CVG, DFW, and SLC. Possibly you could fly into LAX and out of a co-terminal (SNA or other SoCal 'port) Try something like this:

Outbound:

TRI-ATL-DFW-LAX

Return:

SNA-SLC-CVG-TRI

…or some variation of the above.

My logic for this – you will get to ‘connect’ through various airports and sample the widest variety of equipment – ATR, 328Jet, 757, CRJ, MD-80, 737-800, possibly a wide body 767.

I’m fairly sure ATL, CVG, SLC, and DFW are all valid connection points for a discount fare. You will love the ‘noise abetment’ procedures on t/o from JWA in Orange County (John Wayne Airport, Orange County/Santa Ana).

Something simpler:

TRI-ATL-LAX, return LAX-CVG-TRI could still offer great variety.

OR, for Pete’s sake – JETBLUE!!! They are all the rage now!! (*ahem, media hype*) You could hop down to ATL on ATR and then JetBlue to Long Beach.


BTW – that NW 767 is most likely a code share with Gordon on Continental’s metal. Did the 767 operate in/out of CLE, EWR, IAH – if so, its Gordo’s 76.

Well, you have plenty of time to decide!

[SWVA]

"US Airways and NW I noticed was using an Airbus forget which model i am thinking a 321 and 320 respectively. NW also had a flight with a 767 I think but no DC-10. "

Northwest dosent operate 767 aircraft mate

SORRY, it was a NWA 757