Airlines

I recently discovered that some people have a weird affinity for certain airlines and flat-out refuse to fly with anyone else. Weird flex, but okay. For the sake of complete honesty, I think it’s madness to avoid different airlines because of a single bad experience. Two or three bad experiences, on the other hand, that’s an entirely different discussion. Over the course of my travels, I’ve actually had the pleasure of traveling on a variety of different airlines. Personally, I like comparing the different experiences I’ve encountered on airplanes. Since my own brother is a pilot, I’d like to remind my readers that your trip is entirely dependent on the pilot, co-pilot, and flight crew on that specific flight. With that in mind, it’s up to the traveler’s discretion whether or not they’re willing to put their lives in the hands of that airline company again in the future. Not that I’m afraid of flying or anything….

Icelandic Airlines

I’ve only ever flown with Icelandic air once during my trip to-and-from Iceland. Both trips were round-trip, no stops. Despite my frequency of traveling, I am terrified of it. So the fact that the flight was non-stop was most agreeable. At least within the Tampa International Airport (TIA), there is no kiosk for checking in; meaning you have to actually speak to someone to check your bag and obtain your boarding passes. While this isn’t a big deal, it does prolong the check-in process. Another not-so-fun fun fact: bags cost $69 per bag to check-in. That totals close to $300 for two people to check a single back, both ways. You do have the option of using a carry-on with no extra charge, but I don’t know a single human-being who can travel for ten days without needing a larger suitcase.

Interestingly enough, unlike other over-night flights with different airlines, passengers are not provided with an in-flight meal. Some complimentary drinks (such as juice and soda) are provided with a free water bottle for each guest. Food, on the other hand, is charged per item. While this isn’t the most ideal situation, I will say that the food on the flight was significantly cheaper than what you’d buy in the airport itself. Each seat comes pre-stocked with a hefty, fleece-lined blanket; yours for the taking if you play your cards right. There are televisions embedded into the back of the head rest on each seat and is pre-loaded with a variety of new releases and classic films for the passengers to enjoy. When boarding, Icelandic Air conveniently boards from back-to-front which makes loading and unloading easy and painless, without pushing past people and fighting for overhead bin space.

If given the opportunity, I would definitely elect to fly with Icelandic Air again. Overall, we had a pleasant experience both ways. 10/10 would fly again!

American Airlines

For those who were unaware, American Airlines is actually a subsidiary of British Airways. I’m not exactly sure what you’re supposed to do with that information, but there it is. We recently (2019) traveled to Italy by way of American Airlines. Unlike other airlines though, American offers three seat, also known as “class,” options: first class, economy, and standard. While no one has money for first class, the economy option is a bit more affordable and includes more foot room and free drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Side note: we were upgraded to economy on our way to Rome while in Philadelphia in many thanks to an airline worker who wanted to thank us for being teachers. Now that doesn’t happen everyday! We later learned that the upgrade would have cost us an extra $150 per ticket. Obviously, we didn’t chose that accommodation on our way back.

In comparison to Icelandic Air, in-flight meals are provided for over-night or extended flights; I’m 85% sure food is provided on flights lasting over 6+ hours. You definitely get a plethora of food too! Vegetarian options are also available. Unfortunately though, what is not stated during the booking process is the cost to check your luggage. A checked bag runs $60 per bag, each way. That equals $240 extra for two people, with one bag each, round-trip. It’s super important to consider the cost of checking your bag and add it to your total airline ticket. That’s how they get you though! Carry-ons, of course, are always free to bring abroad; who knows, you may get lucky and have it checked for free at the gate.

Each seat comes equipped with USB charging ports (FINALLY!) as well as individual screens for viewing in-flight movies. It seems that airlines are, thankfully, getting around to offering a variety in viewing options such as movies – new releases- and television shows too. Unfortunately, they haven’t quite made the jump yet to bluetooth, therefore headphones with an audio jack are required. Some are provided to you for free, but are low quality. It’s up to you to determine whether or not they are worth using.

All in all, although not my favorite airline to travel with by any means, I wouldn’t say they’re the worst and will more than likely get my business again. 8/10 wings!

British Airways

Even though British Airways is also technically American Airlines, I think it’s important to distinguish between the two companies because of how vastly different they actually are overall. We first traveled with British Airways on our trip to London, then again to Scotland. This makes sense since they are the epitome of the British. Since London was such a blur, I honestly can’t recall too much information about our flight there and back. Luckily though, I did make note of our trip to Scotland (2019).

For starters, much like Icelandic Air, there is no kiosk to check-in when you arrive at the airport. Truly, it’s not that big of a deal – I just prefer not having to interact with strangers if I can avoid it. With that being said, checked baggage is free. That’s right, FREE! Everyone’s favorite price. Not only were we impressed by the lack of baggage fees, but we were also thrilled by level of attention given to the food served over the course of our 8-9 hours trapped in an aluminum tube.

Passengers are provided with a large dinner (or lunch, depending on your time of travel), dessert, and a variety of complimentary beverages such as soda, coffee, juice, tea, etc.. Alcoholic options too! The following morning (because we always try to travel overnight), we were also greeted with a heart breakfast of croissants with cream cheese and a cereal bar with your choice in breakfast beverages like juice, coffee, or tea. We were pleased with not only the quality of food, but by the quantity too. Each seat is also equipped with USB charging ports (can I get an Amen?!) and audio jack. At some point these airlines will switch to Bluetooth, but today is not the day. Once again, free headphones are provided, but are low in quality. If you’re brave enough to use the headphones, the in-flight media offers a wide selection of popular and/or newer films as well as television shows too. Passengers are also provided with a pillow and heavy duty blanket. Although I would still recommend bringing your own neck pillow for comfort reasons.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that you are traveling for the purpose of undergoing new adventures and experiencing new cultures. Your choice in airline and flight should not define your trip. Keep in mind that this portion of your adventure is only a few hours long out of days abroad. You can deal with anything for a short period of time.