Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 23

Thread: You're Favorites and Why

  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    8,285

    You're Favorites and Why

    So after last weeks heated debate on why Delta sucks (settle down Chris ) I wanted to start a thread on you're favorite company's to travel with and why. The key is why, don't just list them but give us reasons. The list can include Airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rental companies, resorts, just about anything travel related. I'll start, and no this isn't a thread to bash other people's choices.

    Airlines

    American
    Why....
    -Huge route network.
    -Good access from NYC Airports.
    -DFW hub.
    -Excellent over the phone customer service.
    -Easy to navigate website with many useful features.
    -AAdvantage program is generous with miles and easy to earn elite status.
    -Elite status offers generous promotions and privileges.
    -Most of the fleet has new cabins and extra large overheads.
    -Domestic F class still offers hot meals on short flights.
    -Coach has new comfortable seats with adjustable headrests.
    -Powerports on all planes.
    -Good codeshare alliance.

    Southwest
    Why...
    -Low fares
    -Simple, efficient operation.
    -Close to home (ISP).
    -You earn free tickets very quickly with Rapid Rewards.
    -Free drinks with every Rapid Reward ticket.
    -Easy website to navigate one's account.
    -Great customer service.
    -Great on time record.
    -Good domestic route network.
    -Good FFP partners.

    United
    Why…
    -Star Alliance network
    -Eco Plus
    -Great buy on board meal program
    -PS Service
    -DEN Hub

    Horizon
    Why...
    -Fantastic customer service.
    -Speedy baggage handling.
    -Free beer and wine on all flights.
    -Comfortable new planes.
    -Good legroom on the props.

    Hotels

    Hilton's
    Why...
    -Huge network of brands
    -HGI (Hilton Garden Inn) offers the same level of service as a full serve Hilton.
    -Hampton Inn's are all the same worldwide, never a surprise.
    -Free high speed Internet.
    -Free cooked to order breakfast.
    -Gold and Diamond status gets me free upgrades to suites.
    -Exclusive Diamond telephone line.
    -Generally good rates.
    -Consistently good customer service over the entire brand.
    -GREAT BEDS.
    -Double Dip in the Honors program for Hilton points and airline miles.
    -Diamond and Gold members get 25% and 50% more bonus points per stay.
    -My way preferences for my hotel stay.
    -Online check in and room selection.

    Car Rentals


    Avis
    Why...
    -Preferred service means I don't wait on line.
    -Avis First program earns me free weekend rentals for my personal use.
    -Avis First programs upgrades me to an SUV or a luxury car when I rent an intermediate.
    -Airline miles with each rental.
    -Avis First phone number.
    -Drop off and go, never have to wait for the car to be checked back in.

  2. #2
    Moderator mirrodie's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Me like the Robert Downey Jr of cooooooookies!
    Posts
    5,747

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    American
    Why....
    -Routes suit my needs.
    -Great access from NYC Airports.
    -Easy to navigate website with many useful features.
    -Most of the fleet has new cabins and extra large overheads.
    -Domestic F class
    -Powerports on all planes.(depnds on seat)
    -AAdvantage Program and One World Alliance.
    And I, I took the path less traveled by
    and that has made all the difference......yet...
    I have a feeling a handle of people are going to be very interested in what I post in the near future.

    http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=187

  3. #3
    Administrator PhilDernerJr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Queens, NY
    Posts
    12,470

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Airlines:

    Southwest:

    - Leather seats are comfy
    - Beer
    - I don't feel guilty sitting in the front row in t-shirt and jeans with my foot on the bulkhead 5 feet up.
    - ATA Codeshare

    ATA:

    - Gorgeous planes
    - Comfy leather seats
    - Fair-priced Business upgrades with decent service
    - WN Codeshare

    Midwest:

    - Great Business class service
    - 717s are SO quiet
    - Cookies

    US Airways:

    - Has BOS shuttle service/agreeable schedule
    - Nice Business Class service
    - Ryan Spellman
    - Matt Celmer
    - Ron Peel

    Hotels:

    Sheraton:

    - Great beds
    - Consistently modern and clean looking

    Doubletree:

    - Dark wood decorations
    - Friendly employees
    - Cookies
    Email me anytime at [email protected].

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Posts
    8,285

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Oh I forgot Midwest! I only fly them to MKE but they are great! Oh Phil, Double Tree is a Hilton owned hotel...glad you like ;) I think I know what to get you for X-mas this year..."cookies." LOLOL

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    DTW
    Posts
    2,751

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Airlines:

    NORTHWEST:
    -Best route network out of DTW (duh, DTW=largest hub)
    -Always good, conistant service
    -Brand new awesome McNamara terminal
    -no lost luggage yet
    -Friendly Flight attendants
    -fairly cheap fares out of DTW
    -WorldPerks a good program
    -Skyteam
    -The good ol' DC-9!

    Southwest:
    -Cheap fares
    - Friendly service
    - (used to have) best boarding policy
    - open seating
    - fairly generous on snacks


    Rental cars:

    Hertz:
    -Good prices
    -little waiting for a car
    -able to choose the specific car you want online
    -good discounts
    -"quick drop off" just pull into one of the lanes and leave the car w/ the keys and leave
    nwa FOREVER!

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Dubai
    Posts
    352

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Airline:

    Royal Jet
    - comfy leather couches
    - pre-flight lamb shawarma appetizer
    - flight attendants sometimes show a little ankle


    Hotel:

    Ritz Carlton
    - many locations across the globe
    - suits seem very spacious, particularly when you are the only guest occupying the top floor
    - spAAAAA


    Car:

    chauffeur
    - Mercedes S series gold plated limousine
    - never really have to wait
    - stylish hat accompanies driver's uniform!




    - jMay
    "BANK M*THER$@*#^$, BANK!!!"

  7. #7
    Senior Member N790SW's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    KISP
    Posts
    546

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Quote Originally Posted by SoPictureThis
    Airline:

    Royal Jet
    - comfy leather seats
    - pre-flight lamb shwarama appetizer
    - flight attendants sometimes show a little ankle


    Hotel:

    Ritz Carlton
    - many locations across the globe
    - suits seem very spacious, particularly when you are the only guest occupying the top floor
    - spAAAAA


    Car:

    chauffeur
    - Mercedes S series gold plated limousine
    - never really have to wait
    - stylish hat accompanies driver's uniform!




    - jMay

    Josh You forgot to list why you luv WN =P

    Southwest Airlines

    Just look at my signature and my avatar and my user name and that says it all!!!!


    I AM THE SPIRIT OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!!!! :D
    -Bobby Catone

    ALL views, opinions expressed are mine ONLY and are NOT representative of those shared by Southwest Airlines Co.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Southern Illinois
    Posts
    1,487

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Airlines:

    American Airlines
    -One of the largest network out of STL
    -2nd easiest to redeem using miles
    -MD80's!!!
    -DFW Hub is one of my favorites to connect through
    -intl, a nice alliance, domestically, could be a bit stronger
    -The Credit Card makes it so easy to gain miles on pretty much everything
    -Fairly easy to upgrade with

    Southwest Airlines-
    -Best customer service I have experienced
    -Great in flight service in coach
    -efficient and very informative
    -best airline and easiest to redeem your award for
    -free alcohol with every free flight (award tickets)
    -Boeing 737-700!
    -Excellent Interior

    Hotel-
    Hyatt
    -EXCELLENT BEDS
    -great room service
    -clean pool
    -excellent meal choices

    Alex
    www.southwest.com Bags Fly Free. Anytime, Anywhere on Southwest Airlines. Share the LUV!

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Location
    Howard Beach, NY & Bari, Italia
    Posts
    371

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Airlines:

    Alitalia:
    Mamma AZ has brought me back and forth to Italy for 32 years and has NEVER failed me.
    Flying Magnifica Class
    Speaking Italian brings me extra care and attention.
    Skyteam
    The rush of honor and Italian pride I feel knowing I am on an Alitalia aircraft.


    Delta:

    Expanding Route Network Serves My Domestic and Certain International Needs
    Skymiles (47K and counting!)
    New AVOD being rolled out on a increasingly younger fleet
    They will be king at JFK soon with a great new home ;)
    Skyteam
    Chris Weyer

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    944

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Josh that is hilarious, esp. the shawerma, are you sure you aren't one of my old friends from Abu Dhabi because you pretty much summed up their tastes right there....

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Within earshot of MD-80s who don't "Over fly Prospect Park to the extent practical"
    Posts
    1,517

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Quote Originally Posted by Nonstop2AUH
    Josh that is hilarious, esp. the shawerma, are you sure you aren't one of my old friends from Abu Dhabi because you pretty much summed up their tastes right there....
    If you want good shwarma, boy do I know a place...it's not too far from LGA...it's kosher though, so it isn't open on Saturday...

  12. #12
    Moderator mirrodie's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Me like the Robert Downey Jr of cooooooookies!
    Posts
    5,747

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Hotel:

    The W Hotel and Sheraton Hotels of SPG.
    -Comfy beds and great rooms
    -Beautiful decor esp. with the W hotels.

    Car:

    Just about any will do.
    And I, I took the path less traveled by
    and that has made all the difference......yet...
    I have a feeling a handle of people are going to be very interested in what I post in the near future.

    http://www.jetphotos.net/showphotos.php?userid=187

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Washington, D.C.
    Posts
    627

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    This is a really interesting thread Tommy! It's great to read other people's opinions, especially fellow business travellers.

    Airlines:
    Delta
    - Good routes out of JFK and can get anywhere with one connection in ATL, CVG, SLC, or LAX
    - Comfortable aircraft with one of the best PTV IFE systems (in my opinion)
    - They have always taken care of me in bad situations (i.e. delayed flights, cancelled flights, screwed up itineraries)
    - I have a buddy in reservations who fixes my skymiles account whenever it is broken
    - I have elite status with them and +50K miles
    - Skyteam has a great bunch of carriers, meaning if Delta can't taken me where I want to go, someone else can and I can still earn miles (unlike BA/AA now to London...)

    jetBlue
    - No RJ's to upstate NY (come to think of it, no RJ's at all!)
    - Extremely friendly crews (not had a bad one yet)
    - Very comfortable aircraft and PTV's are a plus
    - Reliable service - I can count on their commitment to safety and customer service
    - David Neeleman is one of my few business idols
    - David Neeleman was extremely kind to my grandmother and I several years ago

    Hotels
    Marriott
    - Consistent product across their different brands & locations
    - Friendly, customer-focused service
    - Concierge lounge
    - Marriott rewards program earns a lot of points when you're an elite, and you can use them for a lot of reward stays
    - Platinum status

    Hilton
    - Excellent bedding
    - Very friendly service
    - Rewards program lets you "double-dip" hotel points and airline miles
    - You can earn status based on number of nights, number of stays, OR number of points (any of the three categories that meet their minimum for elite status will qualify you, which means it's easier to earn status than in other programs)

    Cars
    Hertz
    - Good selection of different vehicle models
    - Good customer service (a "how can I help you?" attitude)
    - Good points program
    Check out my jetPhotos collection
    Check out my jetVideos collection

  14. #14
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    944

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    I don't travel as much as I used to, but I find that it's extremely difficult to generalize about airlines and hotel chains because in both cases, they are not 'standardized' in the way that, say, retail chains or fast food restaurants are. This is why brand loyalty has to be fostered largely through the mechanics of the mileage/points programs. In my experience, I've found there are just too many different factors and variables to say that in terms of quality, any one brand is definitively the 'best' or 'worst.' In fact, I've had good and bad experiences with every single airline and hotel chain I've ever dealt with, so I've concluded that my favorites (at any given time) are the ones where my good experiences have outweighed the bad. I am quite sure, however, that more people have at some point in their travels muttered "this is the worst airline ever" than they have thought "this is the best!"

  15. #15
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Posts
    1,139

    Re: You're Favorites and Why

    Quote Originally Posted by mirrodie
    Hotel:

    The W Hotel and Sheraton Hotels of SPG.
    -Comfy beds and great rooms
    -Beautiful decor esp. with the W hotels.
    I recently had the occasion to stay at the W in Chicago (the one near the Sears Tower, not Lakefront), and that was an awesome hotel. You're right about the decor...it was unlike anywhere I've stayed before. Their "Whatever, Whenever" service was also really good.

    I also really enjoy the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton on business travel. The service at those hotels, particularly the Four Seasons, is truly second to none.

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •