When you fly anywhere on an airline, what airline do you prefer to fly? Why?

I only fly within the US and usually pick the cheapest fare at the time I book my ticket.

However, I avoid Southwest because it's like a flying homeless shelter or cattle compartment. You don't get pre-assigned seats, you have to check in early to have choice of best seats and you have to line up at the gate early, again to get choice of best seats. I flew one time and vowed never to fly Southwest again. Not only that, they are not often as cheap as they claim to be. All of their 39 fares are to close city pairs which are useless to people traveling farther than 200 miles.

I prefer to fly Northwest, Delta or Continental as they all are partners for airline miles. I can fly either airline and put all my miles on my Delta account.

I like American cause it makes me feel more "American" than when I fly any other airline.

If I'm in the Milwaukee area, I'll fly Midwest Express cause they bake fresh chocolate chip cookies on board and it smells sooooo good.

Other than that, I've flown on just about every major airline in the US and I think most of them do the job well, getting me from point A to point B.

Internationally, I think that Emirates, Singapore, and Cathay Pacific are all a big step above what you can expect if you are flying in North America,and well above the international average. They tend to treat you like a human being rather than as cargo, even in economy class. Food and entertainment is better than average, and your baggage normally gets there with you. The US airlines that fly internationally are somewhere in the middle of the pack, with the exception of Northworst, which is down there with Air China and Aeroflot. The discount European airlines (www.whichbudget.com) and the discount Indian airlines (www.yatra.com) offer cheap flights, often using secondary airports. I'm often happy to put up with two hours of cramped space and minimal service for a really good bargain. Jet Airways in India is one of the best in this category.

Providing they fly where I want to go, I choose Midwest Airlines before any other airline. Midwest 717 aircraft are the most comfortable aircraft in the skies. They have extra large seats, which have extendable headrests and footrests. The buy on board cuisine inspired from Mader's in Milwaukee is excellent and by far the best airline food I have ever eaten.

For domestic flights i use JetStar. They use a rural airport close to me (Avalon) and their prices are realistic. On a two hour flight , why do you need full service anyhow?

International I only use QANTAS or Singapore. These airlines have the record for safety and to me thats more important than cost.

Air New Zealand, because they are part of the Star Alliance and also I boycott Qantas because they charge Australians to join their own Frequent Flyer program........what a rip off!!

To-day Continental, has the best fares and connections, plus miles programme!

Southwest. They have never lost my luggage and their on-time and safety records are among the best in the industry. And their personnel are very nice.

JAL...Japanese are good at everything

Qantas....Aussie airline (I am an aussie so its natual)

But i will tell you who NOT to fly

Jetstar..(Australian Budget domestic airline) crap as!!

And Emerites (spelling!!) are supposed to be EXELANT!!

jet blue, continental and aer lingus to europe...aer lingus has the friendliest staff of any airline by far...

British Airways is the best.