Best airlines to use

[oliviaalexandra88 9]

I booked Philippine airlines, no layovers - straight flight.

[Terapin 10]

My fiancee was approved for her visa today. Now I need to book her flight to the U.S. I have to get her to Minnesota. What airlines is the most reliable. I was suggested to check out St. Raphael Travel and Tours to book the flight on a discount. I am not familiar with the airlines available and I am pretty sure I have read some scary stories about flights before. What advice and feedback does anyone have for me to get her hear safely and on time with all of her luggage, while also being able to be somewhat conscious of a tight budget?

1st. Congrats on her/your visa.

All airlines are basically the same. Unless you fly a lot and are saving air miles.

Philippine airlines flies direct from Manila to LA so its a easy flight. The planes are older, but they make up for it with the service and food.

Delta flies from Manila - Narita - MSP airport. All delta flights so easy for someone that does not travel a lot.

American Airlines Also does the Manila - Narita- USA route. They fly into the major hubs though, LA Chicago Atlanta. They also code share with Japan Airlines to get her from Manila to Narita.

United Airlines - I do not use them.

If you have time an a credit history Apply for one of the airline credit cards. Delta uses American Express and America Airlines uses Visa (?) this will at least get you your first bag free, and priority boarding which makes settling in a bit easier.

Good luck congratulations again !

[Terapin 10]

My fiancee was approved for her visa today. Now I need to book her flight to the U.S. I have to get her to Minnesota. What airlines is the most reliable. I was suggested to check out St. Raphael Travel and Tours to book the flight on a discount. I am not familiar with the airlines available and I am pretty sure I have read some scary stories about flights before. What advice and feedback does anyone have for me to get her hear safely and on time with all of her luggage, while also being able to be somewhat conscious of a tight budget?

1st. Congrats on her/your visa.

All airlines are basically the same. Unless you fly a lot and are saving air miles.

Philippine airlines flies direct from Manila to LA so its a easy flight. The planes are older, but they make up for it with the service and food.

Delta flies from Manila - Narita - MSP airport. All delta flights so easy for someone that does not travel a lot.

(Plus you avoid terminal 1 in NAIA)

American Airlines Also does the Manila - Narita- USA route. They fly into the major hubs though, LA Chicago Atlanta. They also code share with Japan Airlines to get her from Manila to Narita.

United Airlines - I do not use them.

Ive used with good success, Expedia, Google flights, and to a certain extent price line. Just remember to clear your cookies, after each time using them. I usually buy my tickets directly from airline web site, may want to start your search there.

I would strongly suggest at least looking at the website trip advisor bargain travel forum before giving your money to any 3rd party ticket company.

If you have time an a credit history Apply for one of the airline credit cards. Delta uses American Express and America Airlines uses Visa (?) this will at least get you your first bag free, and priority boarding which makes settling in a bit easier.

Good luck congratulations again !

Edited January 29, 2016 by Terapin

[Erick and Marj 11]

Thanks. I checked over a dozen different flight search options and The cheap end flights were all with either 1 or more ridiculously short or long layovers. The only one I found that was moderately balanced was with China Air, and honestly, it's a personal thing, I just don't trust the Chinese airline companies. With that said, I found a spectacular flight with Delta, just as you had mentioned. It has a very comfortable 4 hour layover in Tokyo, and then a straight shot to Minnesota. The total travel time is only 18.5 hours. I really like that flight arrangement. The catch is the price is steeper. It is $1200. I'm willing to pay that price for better comfort for her and more piece of mind for me. I am not sure if I should book yet. She still has to complete her CFO in 2 weeks. I feel like I should be waiting until after her CFO.

[SennaBrigante 92]

Thanks. I checked over a dozen different flight search options and The cheap end flights were all with either 1 or more ridiculously short or long layovers. The only one I found that was moderately balanced was with China Air, and honestly, it's a personal thing, I just don't trust the Chinese airline companies. With that said, I found a spectacular flight with Delta, just as you had mentioned. It has a very comfortable 4 hour layover in Tokyo, and then a straight shot to Minnesota. The total travel time is only 18.5 hours. I really like that flight arrangement. The catch is the price is steeper. It is $1200. I'm willing to pay that price for better comfort for her and more piece of mind for me. I am not sure if I should book yet. She still has to complete her CFO in 2 weeks. I feel like I should be waiting until after her CFO.

You can book before CFO. I did. Just schedule the seminar at least 2 weeks before departure.

[Erick and Marj 11]

You can book before CFO. I did. Just schedule the seminar at least 2 weeks before departure.

That isn't a problem. She'll be going for the CFO in 2 weeks, but won't be coming here until middle of May. I will book the flight next week after my credit card billing cycle starts a new one. I just don't want the price of this flight to go up. I doubt it will considering how many seats are empty and how far out we are, but who knows. Would actually be nice if the price dropped in the next few days. LOL Would be super awesome if it would go down to $1000 or less. Wishful thinking for such a good flight I suppose.

[AKteacher 104]

Thanks. I checked over a dozen different flight search options and The cheap end flights were all with either 1 or more ridiculously short or long layovers. The only one I found that was moderately balanced was with China Air, and honestly, it's a personal thing, I just don't trust the Chinese airline companies. With that said, I found a spectacular flight with Delta, just as you had mentioned. It has a very comfortable 4 hour layover in Tokyo, and then a straight shot to Minnesota. The total travel time is only 18.5 hours. I really like that flight arrangement. The catch is the price is steeper. It is $1200. I'm willing to pay that price for better comfort for her and more piece of mind for me. I am not sure if I should book yet. She still has to complete her CFO in 2 weeks. I feel like I should be waiting until after her CFO.

I have flown China Airlines (not Air China which is a different airline) several times. China Airlines is based in Taiwan, not mainland China. Their service (including the food) has been good, flights were always on time, and they have the best schedules from the west coast (not sure about from MN). I would recommend them.

I have never flown Air China, too many horror stories from others about them. Long flight delays, passengers are totally on their own, never given any information about how long the delay is, or worse yet left stranded when flights are canceled and passengers are not rebooked on any other flight. But again, I have never personally flown on Air China so that is only what I have heard not experienced.

[Erick and Marj 11]

I have flown China Airlines (not Air China which is a different airline) several times. China Airlines is based in Taiwan, not mainland China. Their service (including the food) has been good, flights were always on time, and they have the best schedules from the west coast (not sure about from MN). I would recommend them.

I have never flown Air China, too many horror stories from others about them. Long flight delays, passengers are totally on their own, never given any information about how long the delay is, or worse yet left stranded when flights are canceled and passengers are not rebooked on any other flight. But again, I have never personally flown on Air China so that is only what I have heard not experienced.

Yeah, that's exactly my concerns. I want her to fly through Tokyo. I have been in both major Tokyo airports more than a half a dozen times and I find the airport to be very easy to navigate, the people are friendly and trained in English, and overall, the experience is very good. Plus, having an option to fly her direct to minneapolis from Tokyo is a huge plus. It means I can meet her right on the other side of immigration and she doesn't have to worry about transferring baggage at the airport after clearing customs.

[Ischnura 285]

Bookingbuddy.com is another site that gives you multiple searches all at once. Also, if you don't have a specific date in mind most, if not all, direct airline websites let you see the price of flights a few days either side of your chosen date so you can gather a better idea of what days and dates are more cost effective. Also, if you book flights towards the end of the week and on middle of the week travel days they tend to be cheaper. At least that's what I found travelling the past 10 years I hope you find something that works perfectly