An Aircraft/line enthusiasts?

[david]

I've had a few "obsessions", as my sister calls them, throughout my life. One of these is a love for aircraft and airlines all together. One day I want to enter into engineering coasters, the other I still want to become an Air Attendant. I realize the first is far better than the latter.

On to the real topic!

Does anyone else here share these two passions with me? Just wondering.

[FParker185]

In addition to coasters, I wouldn't say I'm obsessed but I also follow railroading/trains along with Aircraft. Aircraft is more of an interest than anything else, especially when it comes to me having to fly. I absolutely hate Boeing, their aircraft are the pits, Airbus is good and Embrarer E-Jets are incredible.

[Galvan]

^ Boeing are the pits? Ummm... right

Aviation and Weather for me.

[david]

Good to know I'm not alone!

^^ I wouldn't sat that Boeing is the "pitt" but their Aircraft are less advanced in comparison to Airbus. I've never flown in an Embraer, mostly because I'm a long haul person.

Here is how I look at it:

Boeing = Vekoma GIB
Airbus = ANY B&M
Embraer= Shwarzkopf Shuttle Loop

Boeing Fails
Airbus is successful, but doesn't make many every year
Embraer is very successful, but has some problems.

Odd way, but hey, it helps! lawl

[FParker185]

Mechanically I'm sure Boeing is among the best but in the cabin, it flat out sucks, the top of the window is about 6 inches below my sightline, inside is always cramped, and even newer aircraft
(ridden in newer 737, 757, and 767) look like something out of the 70's on the inside. New 717 I flew back in 2001 was ok though, not sure why, as far as interior aesthetics. Also every seat I've ever encountered on any Boeing has been uncomfortable at best, in 06 nonstop from ORD-MUC my back was killing be before we left the gate. I literally would have been more comfortable in a unpadded metal folding chair.

Whenever I book travel I try to specifically avoid any Boeing aircraft unless the price is way cheaper than other flights or it's a route served only by 767's for the most part (like say ORD-MUC)

Now the absolute worst on my list, and a plane I just about refuse to step foot in is MD. Been in MD 80, 90 and MD-11. All were beyond terrible. For the 80/90 the rear fuselage mounted engines ensure a loud as all hell ride, and I'm absolutely convinced that they both rolled off the assembly line filthy on the inside. MD-11 with Delta was just a nightmare, it was like an MD-80 but with a lot more seats. If it was an option I'd go back to london on a Greyhound bus the long way around the world before flying another MD-11. Luckily the last MD-11's were retired from passenger service in the US about a year after I flew it.

[david]

^ Delta is a nightmare.

Now, Sure, I've only been on one flight where a firkin baby turned around and there their milk at me, I was apologized to by the mother, but all the airline said was, "We cannot control the actions of other passengers aboard the aircraft. We can offer a meal voucher for your next domestic flight aboard."

My response was tasteful:

Thank you so much for apologizing to me. I just spent 14 ******* hours on your trashed airplane. I don't want your ****** meals. AND I WON'T BE TAKING YOUR ******* ****** plane home.

I arranged for a flight home aboard Royal Jordanian, Sure, not much better, but something other than delta. My original itinerary was AMM-JFK-ORD, but with RJ it was AMM-ORD direct, non-stop.

A Delta manager got to me by e-mail and offered me a full refund on my RJ ticket, and a $100 delta travel card. He said, "I'm sure you might not want to return with us, but this is the least we could do."

I liked this guy. He was way nicer than the F/As or even the reps on ground.

[Galvan]

I dont think its Boeing product, but the Airline your flying on.

Personally, I flew American Airlines to California in 2005 and enjoyed the flight alot. That same year I flew ATA and wasnt nearly as comfortable as I was on AA.

AA I flew on a 737-800 and 767-300
ATA i flew on a 737-800

I will never ever step foot inside an Airbus aircraft. And United Airlines for that matter.

[FParker185]

Window height and the manufacturer and design of Coach class seating is generally at the discretion of the aircraft manufacturer.

I always liked ATA, if only for the fact that they kept prices to Orlando low. I never paid more than $100 R/T after tax when ATA was around. I havent flown since since over $120-$140 for airfare it's more worth it to drive. Their plans also seemed to be the newest I've flown in outside of AirTran. Was just another terrible "flying bus" 757 design.