Alternative to American Eagle?

Homer · #1 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 11:40 AM

My wife, 8-month old daughter and I are spending a few weeks on the US east coast, travelling from JFK to BOS, BOS to DCA and then back to JFK.

My travel agent has booked all of these US domestic flights on AA though they are operated by American Eagle. They are all-economy services and while they are short sectors we are concerned about these American Eagle flights being the low point of our vacation...

Apparently United flys these routes with at least a 2-class configuration. However by using United we would not receive QFF points.

Should we be too concerned about our experience on American Eagle or is it really not that bad? If it is that bad, is Amtrak a viable alternative given a tight schedule?

Kiwi Flyer · #2 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 11:42 AM

Given they are all short flights and there would be little difference between first and economy anyway I wouldn't bother switching (are you sure UA's flights are 2-class? I know they also have 1-class flights in that area).

Flying Fox · #3 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 12:22 PM

Hi

I have recently been travelling across the USA and from New York to Washington DC, I would 100% recommend Amtrak instead of flying. Reasons being -

1. Amtrak you get wide seats and the ability to walk around - super comfortable.

2. You can arrive at Pennington Station in downtown NY (great if you are staying at Times Sq like I was) about 15mins prior to your train departing and get on.

3. Train trip to Washington was only 3.5hrs.

In addition, my travel agent got me cheap tickets (once I paid some joining fee - approx $40) for the train. It was approx $208 AUD (inc joining fee) for 2 people via train to go NY to Washington one way. It was cheaper than their website once you had converted.

Also, don't buy the Express Train tickets since they cost almost double and are only 20 mins faster.

Whenever I catch domestic flights in the US I allow 2hrs for check-in so by the time you factor that in with the flights and getting to & from the airports the train takes about the same time.

American Eagle flights are OK but the planes are cramped since they use small twin prop aircraft.

From a person who loves to fly - try the train as you won't be disappointed.

Dave Noble · #4 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer

My wife, 8-month old daughter and I are spending a few weeks on the US east coast, travelling from JFK to BOS, BOS to DCA and then back to JFK.

My travel agent has booked all of these US domestic flights on AA though they are operated by American Eagle. They are all-economy services and while they are short sectors we are concerned about these American Eagle flights being the low point of our vacation...

Apparently United flys these routes with at least a 2-class configuration. However by using United we would not receive QFF points.

Should we be too concerned about our experience on American Eagle or is it really not that bad? If it is that bad, is Amtrak a viable alternative given a tight schedule?

Are you planning to purchase a 1st class ticket? If so, then just go with UA. If you are travelling in economy class, then there is no reason not to fly on Eagle; there is nothing wrong with them , they just use smaller aeroplanes.

Dave

Homer · #5 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 01:10 PM

I'm not sure whether United always has a 2-class service in these areas, however my travel agent thought that they did. However we weren't thinking of buying a First class ticket anyway - it was just that the idea of those smaller American Eagle flights worried us compared with other airlines' coach products. The consensus seems to be that Eagle isn't too bad so we'll either do that or look at the train option which may actually work out better for us.

Thank you for your help.

NM · #6 (**permalink**) 25th September 2006, 01:29 PM

Think of American Eagle like the QantasLinbk of the AA family. They operate smaller aircraft on tyhe feeder/regional routes. Generally the service is a little more personal and friendly than the big brother AA. I would not hessitate to use AE on such routes.

garyjohn951 · #7 (**permalink**) 26th September 2006, 07:23 AM

Flew Reagan to JFK back in May on Eagle. Small plane, great view along the coast. 2,1 configuration. In hindsight was the best of 8 flights we had in US and Carribean.

vt01 · #8 (**permalink**) 26th September 2006, 08:16 AM

I had a couple of AE flights recently in the US. Both were on regional jets in the 2-1 configuration. They were great. Yes they are smaller and barely any room for in overhead lockers for carryon - small backpack only. It still cruised at 37000 feet and even in the bad weather on landing was fine.

snufl · #9 (**permalink**) 26th September 2006, 08:35 AM

Sorry to get OT but this thread reminded me of my first trip to the U.S.
I booked through a TA and asked if she recommended any particular airline for internal flights. She looked at me very seriously and said "No, they all crash sometimes".

vt01 · #10 (**permalink**) 27th September 2006, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snufl

Sorry to get OT but this thread reminded me of my first trip to the U.S.
I booked through a TA and asked if she recommended any particular airline for internal flights. She looked at me very seriously and said "No, they all crash sometimes".

hahaha.. I like that one.. Wouldn't go down to well with a few people I imagine...