Not all airline carriers are created equal

When choosing an airline carrier, many factors can determine the process that leads you to actually booking a ticket. There are several things to consider.

The first factor is cost. I have heard the question more and more frequently in this past year than ever before, what is the cheapest way to get to where I want to go? However, after the first few times that this question is asked, and a traveler becomes acquainted with airline carriers, you soon hear them asking, What is the best way to find a cheap ticket with a “better” airline carrier? Making the second factor amenities.

Today, every airline carrier has a website, though (like the airlines carriers themselves) not all websites are created equal. On these websites you can find a variety of topics that might answer the following questions- How many bags may I check in? Is there a charge for checked baggage? Is their a weight limit on my checked luggage? How many bags can I carry on? How many miles do I have to fly in order to generate enough frequent flyer miles to obtain a free ticket? Is meal service/snacks a paid for service or is it included in my ticket price? What is the cost to change a ticket? Etc.

There is no way to answer these questions in one simple article, since airline carriers all have different policies, and different fare rates or different charges for different amenities and levels of restrictions to tickets. Certainly I encourage you to check with the airline carrier before booking the ticket to see if the ticket allows what you need during or pertaining to your flight.

Though I have done a tremendous amount of research for this article, it did not take any research and only took a tremendous amount of experience to realize that international flights seem to be easier, nicer, cleaner and the airline personnel are friendlier. This is just a generalization of course, as few United States carriers rank in a lower than satisfactory level, however there are few large carriers that I included in this review that are at or below satisfactory levels.

Here is a breakdown of how the following airlines compare, from domestic to international. After evaluating hundreds of consumer reports for each airline carrier, I am rating each airline with a level of stars, one being the worst (and indicating that you should avoid them), two being less than satisfactory (but will get you there), three being acceptable (but they could be better), four being about average (satisfactory and acceptable and would like to use this carrier again), five being the best (would use again as well as would recommend to friends and family).

• Air France-  Customers complaints came mostly from the economy section, with old planes and hard seats, it is reported that tidiness has been an issue for a lot of passengers. Business class passengers also addressed the same concerns but less frequently. Complaints are frequent in regards to customer service and check in or kiosk staff members as being rude and unfriendly. 6 out of 10 customers reported that their Air France flight was worth the money and 5 out of 10 passengers would recommend using them. Rating: 3 stars
• American Airlines-  Customer complaints in economy were mostly about food service and cost. Inoperable video systems and failure of cabin lights or climate control were a frequent complaint. Business class and first class had more complaints than other major airline carriers for the same class of service. 5 out of 10 customers report that their American Airlines flight was worth the money and 5 out of 10 would recommend using them. Rating: 2 stars
• British Airways-  Customer complaints included small seating and cramped leg space, but it was reported less frequently than for other airline carriers. While some complained about the food, few complaints were made about the staff and flight attendant attentiveness. There are complaints about the age or condition of the planes themselves, but very few suggested that cleanliness was a problem. Price is a factor, passengers complained about these already mentioned issues then followed up by stating that for the amount of money that they charge for their tickets that the condition of the plane and the food should be improved. 7 out of 10 felt that their British Airways flight was worth the money, while 8 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 4.5 stars
• Continental Airlines-  Customer complaints are grossly in regards to customer service issues, with ticket agents and check in staff reported as being rude, curt and often sarcastic. Seat assignment problems, and check in problems were frequently reported. Food preferences and special meal requests were frequently met with responses that special meals were not available. Interestingly enough, 7 out of 10 people reported that their Continental Airlines flight was worth the money but only 4 out of 10 would recommend that other passengers use them. Rating: 3 stars
• Delta Airlines-  Customer complaints are variable about customer service, some passengers reported that the staff was not helpful where as others state the staff was rude or obnoxious. Many complaints were reported about the on demand video system not performing properly, or not being available at all. Some passengers who complained about Delta Airlines stated that their complaint was for the domestic half of their international flights and that their international flights were considerably better. 6 out of 10 customers report that their Delta Airline flight was worth the money but 5 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 3 stars
• Lufthansa-  Consumer complaints included the fact that Lufthansa staff and ticketing agents can be difficult, with some reports of the staff being rude. Seat pitch was often a complaint from passengers. Complaints often addressed the cost of the flight as a factor in their comfort levels. 7 out of 10 passengers felt that their Lufthansa flight was worth the money and 7 out of 10 of them would recommend them. Rating: 4 stars
• Northwest Airlines-  Customer complaints were grossly directed at staff, ticket agents, flight attendants, and boarding agents. Rudeness and sarcasm were commonly reported in these complaints. Boarding times and promptness of agents and attendants was a frequent problem. Northwest had more complaints from business class passengers than other airline carriers in the same class of service. 6 out of 10 passengers felt that their Northwest Airlines flight was worth the money, and 6 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 3.5 stars
• United Airlines-  Customer complaints are variable about customer service. Passengers in all classes of tickets reported complaints about restroom cleanliness, seat comfort and meal service and food quality. There were also complaints about lost or missing luggage. 6 out of 10 passengers felt that their United airlines flight was worth the money, and 5 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 3 stars
• US Airways-  Customer complaints were much lower in higher class tickets than for other airline carriers in the same class of service. There were complaints about the attitude and levels of helpfulness of check in and ticketing agents though very few complaints were reported about the actual check in and, or boarding process. Complaints were frequently reported about the quality and flavor of the food. 5 out of 10 passengers felt that their US Airways flight was worth the money, and 5 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 2 stars
• Virgin Atlantic Airways-  Customer complaints include the attitude and responsiveness of the ticketing agents or check in desk personnel. There are few complaints about food, or other in flight services. Often passengers with complaints offered some praise in regards to this airline carrier. 8.5 out of 10 people said that their Virgin Atlantic flight was worth the money, and 9 out of 10 would recommend them. Rating: 5 stars

The star rating system was determined only by the use of consumer reports and in no way reflects my or Examiner.com's thoughts or opinions of any or all airline carriers.

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