Greece Trip
Jun 1, 2009 | 9:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1
Greece Trip
First time booking to Greece. Just retired and I am taking my adult kids and wife with. Flying out of Chicago to Athens any hints on airlines? Arriving Oct 8 out on the 15th. Never been overseas except for Viet Nam.
Jun 2, 2009 | 1:34 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 698
There seem to be a lot of cheap fares on that route then, so you should have plenty of choice. Of the airlines I know that fly that route, the best in my experience would be Austrian, though unfortunately their flights on that route are 2 stops. Maybe the best 1-stop would be Lufthansa -- some of their flights connect through Munich, which isn't a bad airport. Air France isn't a bad airline, but CDG is an awful airport. BA business class is wonderful but coach class is horrible -- the most cramped international seating I've encountered -- and Heathrow is hell.
Jun 2, 2009 | 1:41 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
I'd go with LH (Lufthansa) via MUC. You'll most likely connent to an LH codeshare on Aegean, which was one of the nicest flights I've had recently.
MUC is a dream airport of transfers, much better than FRA, which would be your other option on LH.
If you want a US carrier, you can do the same connection using United (UA) to MUC and then on via LH/Aegean.
Welcome to FT.
MUC is a dream airport of transfers, much better than FRA, which would be your other option on LH.
If you want a US carrier, you can do the same connection using United (UA) to MUC and then on via LH/Aegean.
Welcome to FT.
Jun 2, 2009 | 1:53 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: No Loyalty to any airline
Posts: 2,378
There seem to be a lot of cheap fares on that route then, so you should have plenty of choice. Of the airlines I know that fly that route, the best in my experience would be Austrian, though unfortunately their flights on that route are 2 stops. Maybe the best 1-stop would be Lufthansa -- some of their flights connect through Munich, which isn't a bad airport. Air France isn't a bad airline, but CDG is an awful airport. BA business class is wonderful but coach class is horrible -- the most cramped international seating I've encountered -- and Heathrow is hell.
Jun 2, 2009 | 5:14 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 698
As for LHR, I'm hardly alone in my feelings -- a search will find FT postings by more travelers than me swearing never to go through there again.
Last edited by Cha-cha-cha; Jun 2, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Jun 2, 2009 | 6:42 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Programs: NW-PE, Blue Star SeaSmiles
Posts: 6,789
Cheapest right now is Delta and the 767 isn't horrible in coach. If you are looking at Biz then keep an eye on CO as that can be had for under 2K.
One week for Greece is to short. OCT is a great time to visit so don't be in a hurry. If you never plan to go back then take 3 weeks and send the kids home early.
One week for Greece is to short. OCT is a great time to visit so don't be in a hurry. If you never plan to go back then take 3 weeks and send the kids home early.
Jun 2, 2009 | 7:54 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2007
Location: ORD, DEL
Programs: AA (Plt Pro; 1.5 MM)
Posts: 6,223
Welcome to FT! Lots of good Chicago-Athens flights in October, pick just about any day and almost any airline, it seems to be $600-$700 for the round trip. If you belong to any frequent flyer program, choose accordingly; otherwise join one! Agree with the advice to spend a few extra days, if possible. Good luck.