My wife, who's currently in Sydney, is considering meeting me in Singapore. However, EgyptAir is offering the cheapest fare by far...almost half that of any other airline.

Unfortunately, I don't know anything about EgyptAir. Is it a safe and decent airline, or is it comparable to Cubana/Aeroflot/Turkish, where "chickens and goats fly free" and "maintenance" means filling up the fuel tank?

Any info on this airline would be appreciated.

SemiElite, I flew Egypt air on 5 domestic segments back in May and had a good experience. Flights operated on time, were on clean and modern aircraft (Airbus I think) and airline staff was friendly and professional. They are a modern airline. I would have no reservations about flying them. Also, fare difference between coach and first for inter-Egypt flights was marginal. We rode in the front.Good luck!

Thanks for the input on EgyptAir. I forwarded the link to my wife in Sydney, and she now feels a lot better.

Since any other airline is almost double the fare, her comfort level may be the difference between her flying out to meet me vs. staying at home. So, in this situation, you feedback is especially appreciated.

EgyptAir - no thanks, not for me! And for my wife - NEVER!

Read this:

"On October 31, 1999, EgyptAir Flight 990 � en route to Cairo from New York � crashed off the coast of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
All 217 people on board died. Among them were 22 Canadians.

The Boeing 767 was at 10,000 metres � less than an hour after taking off from New York � when its autopilot shut off, its throttles cut back, and it headed into a steep dive.

The plane briefly climbed up again before both engines were turned off, sending passengers and crew on a harrowing rollercoaster ride.

At the request of the Egyptian government, the U.S. took the lead on the investigation. But when the NTSB prepared to turn the probe over to the FBI, Egypt protested.

Some American investigators suspected a relief co-pilot deliberately put the plane into a suicide dive.

But the Egyptian government and public angrily rejected this theory as speculation.

Relatives of crew members killed in the crash say flaws in the aircraft, rather than a suicidal pilot, brought the plane down. They've launched a lawsuit against the aircraft's manufacturer and parts manufacturers.

Companies involved in the suit include Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and Parker-Hannifin Corp.

On August 11, 2000, U.S. investigators released a preliminary report into the crash. The 1,665 pages did not include any conclusions about the cause of the crash."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/indepth/facts/egyptair990.html

My mother has flown SIN-SYD a few times in FC (much less than SQ's BC). Service is o.k. Seat comfort is inferior but perfectly acceptable for how much you're paying (not sure abotu BC or EC). A lot of the premium pax appear to be employee families or tourists headed for cool(!) weather.

I have had bad experiences with Egyptair (probably not what you want to hear), but it was a number of years ago. They wouldn't honor a reservation and left me stranded in Cairo for a couple of days at my expense!
Their customer service in non-existent.

It might be better out of Sydney. Make sure you get a paper ticket and confirmation of the reservation multiple times.

Good luck.

A little sceptical, don't you think? Would you not fly Swissair, or American?

I'd happily board an EgyptAir Boeing 777 any time. Their planes are all very new, in great condition and very well maintained. I wouldn't have a problem.

Of course, it's always safer to stay home and watch TV, right?

Posted by Brit777

Of course, it's always safer to stay home and watch TV, right?
==========================================

You missed the boat!
If and when I have the choice ... I take LH, BA, AA, Delta, Singapore Airlines, United .......

Where are the 777s so "very well maintained"? In Cairo, in Seattle/Everett or at LH's Luftwerft in Hamburg, Germany?