gflande1 Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Wife and I are flying to Frankfurt Germany. We can save $400. if we fly with Iberia airlines instead of Lufthansa. The Iberia flight is almost 4 hours longer because we have a layover in madrid (Lufthansa is direct). On Iberia we would fly: Airbus A340-600 Mcdonald Douglas MD87 Airbus A319 Airbus A340 Lufthansa would be a Airbus A340 Boeing 747 Anyways, I have never flown either. In fact, i have never heard of Iberia. Anyone have any experience with either? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vsg666 Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Is it $400 savings total? If you can afford it, I always prefer direct flights especially for INTL travel. Luft is 1st rate. IB, I haven't flown. I'm always exhausted and all I want (in fact I'm dying for it) to do is fall asleep for the entire flight. If you fall into this category, having to change planes absolutely sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 I agree, always take a direct flight. Connections suck; if a plane is late you could be stuck in the airport longer, etc. Just fork over the $400. I've never heard of Iberia, but I've heard of Lufthansa. That's about all I can offer on that. CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drifter Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 I've flown Lufthansa several times. It's a very good airline. They really treat you right. I would choose the direct flight to Europe. The flight is long enough without a layover after you have crossed the ocean. Wish I could help with tips for Frankfurt, but I spent most of my time in Munich and Austria. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gflande1 Posted February 20, 2005 Author Share Posted February 20, 2005 Thanks everyone. The only thing I can come up with about Iberia is they are from Spain (hence the layover). Ive read some reviews about them, and it doesnt sound good. Appearantly they arent known for their service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nanker Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Lufthansa is a fine airline. I'll agree with the others about flying direct. If your destination is Frankfort you're there in about 6 hours, and that's a big deal if your flight leaves in the evening - like they do in Newark. You'll be up all night. By the time you're fed and watch the movie you're two hours from touchdown. I can never sleep, so I get stir crazy for the flight to end, but changing planes only prolongs the agony. If money is more important though - take the cheaper flight. But unless you're in business class, being cooped up in an aluminum tube with 200 fellow travellers (!) is going to be a grind - no matter what airline you choose. By the way I've found that forcing myself to stay up all day (if you're arriving in the AM in Europe) is the best thing to do. You'll get over your jet lag much more quickly if you stay up till it's 6-8 PM local time. Then go to bed. If you take a nap or go to sleep when you get to your hotel at 10 AM, you're going to be screwed when you try to get adjusted to the local time. Hey! Have a good time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gflande1 Posted February 20, 2005 Author Share Posted February 20, 2005 I agree with your suggestions, but try selling that to the wife and her friend. Last year, I flew to the Middle East (military) on a chartered flight. This aircraft had the worst seats I have ever sat in. On the way back, they chartered us a Boeing 777 which had awesome seats. Boy, what a difference. I could have killed myself on that first flight...we were so uncomfortable. That is what concerns me with this iberia airline. The other thing that sucks is they dont provide free food and drinks. I hear it gets expensive, but not $400. Im just conflicted, do I listen to my wife, who has never flown a plane longer than 4 hours, or do I listen to my ass that has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony P Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Are those your only choices? I know that you can fly direct to Frankfurt on NWA from Detroit with no stops or layovers and some great fares right now. I always prefer to make my connections in the US (if I must connect) and then take the non-stops accross to my destination. Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Going to stop by Red Light? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zow2 Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 Iberia is one of the major airlines in Europe (based in Madrid). They are a fine airline. I'd save the $400. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marv's Neighbor Posted February 20, 2005 Share Posted February 20, 2005 I would stay away from Iberia. In fact, if you were flying to Madrid instead of Frankfurt, I'd tell you to fly LH to Frankfurt and connect down to Spain on whomever. The LH crews are more professional, planes are better maintained, and if you have a delay, LH will take care of alternate arrangements. Sounds like you will get what you pay for! I wouldn't take IB across lake Erie to Crystal Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
olivier in france Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 what kinds of problems you have all with Iberia? they're the national spanish company and one of the best airliners in Europe. and well i prefer by far to travel with some smily spaniards than some military looking germans! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fezmid Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 i prefer by far to travel with some smily spaniards than some military looking germans! Why, do the French have something against the military? Oh, nevermind... (sorry, I couldn't resist ). CW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gflande1 Posted February 21, 2005 Author Share Posted February 21, 2005 I have no problems with Iberia. Just wanted to know if anyone has had experience with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernMan Posted February 21, 2005 Share Posted February 21, 2005 I agree with your suggestions, but try selling that to the wife and her friend. Last year, I flew to the Middle East (military) on a chartered flight. This aircraft had the worst seats I have ever sat in. On the way back, they chartered us a Boeing 777 which had awesome seats. Boy, what a difference. I could have killed myself on that first flight...we were so uncomfortable. That is what concerns me with this iberia airline. The other thing that sucks is they dont provide free food and drinks. I hear it gets expensive, but not $400. Im just conflicted, do I listen to my wife, who has never flown a plane longer than 4 hours, or do I listen to my ass that has. 246421[/snapback] Who's wearing the pants in the family anyway? Tell the old lady to shutup and go bake a pie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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