1. Actually SQ has had service between New York and Frankfurt for at least a decade and have fifth freedom rights.
2. It would really depend where you fly SQ, for example the a/c they use to IST are from two configurations ago with unimpressive Y and terrible J.
3. Alitalia has a grand total of something like TWO new 777's, otherwise their fleet age is much older than Delta's. As far as bigger and better, I don;t see how that is material as you may have a bigger and better a/c with AF or AZ up until CDG, MXP or FCO, but then you are getting put on a definately smaller and worse A320 or MD-80 after a stressful connection - especially at CDG- a minimum two hour delay and a 3-4 hour flight in that a/c.
4. As of a year ago DL has been redoing the cabons of all its 767-300ER's, which means in effect that currently you have a 80% chance of getting the new improved cabin, and by summer a 100% chance of getting it.
5. Actually the CX service was quite popular and was dropped because of 9/11 along with a host of other routes. There has been talk every year for the last 3 years of putting it back on schedule and CX has kept its own offline office in IST open for this very purpose, but they have not had the a/c to do this with as there have been more profitable and secure places to add airlift two that have pre-empted the resumption of IST service.
6. There is no comparison of short haul and long haul J service on any airline. But you are right TK crews generally stink.

Have just flown DOH - BAH - LHR - JFK in one hit all on BA, in cattle class and no complaints at all, apart from being a bit bumpy outside of US.

A few years ago I was flying return trips IST - LHR - PHL every 4 weeks for 2 years, all with BA and still no complaints. The only carriers that I've ever had cmplaints with are KLM, LH, AZ, Sabena and continental.

Let's be honest...I'm a 21 year old who's lived out of a backpack for weeks at a time, I don't really care if the flight attendants are attentive. Cheapest is what I'm after! However, if I wasn't funding this all by myself while enrolled full time in university, luxury would be great. BA is my favorite. I've flown most of the European airlines, and the majority of them suck. But, like I said, I'm not picky.

I found this via VT. It's good from NY to Europe only until the end of March. To Istanbul, it's about $750 round trip. Bummer for me too as I want to go in June or early July.

http://booking.swiss.com/web/bso.htm?ma ... tflag=true

I have to book a flight for mid June from the US to Istanbul. Any updated info for the cheapest airfare? Thanks!

TP, About a decade ago, I flew to London on the First Class cabin of British Airways (from Hong Kong). The amenities/service was good but it fell short compared to CX's First Class. I flew CX on the return route. I also flew CX lot all over Asia. They've always been consistently good although some of thier planes stank then - especially the ones from Bangkok when the hold was full of durian. One could smell the pungent aroma all over the plane!

Now there are beds and all (even in C class in some airlines) but I can't afford to fly First Class these days.

Back to the main topic, I'm looking too Sadie so I'll let you know should something good turns up. I am only canvassing as I am not positive I can go yet. I have potential visitors coming this summer...bummer. Also, I may have to switch jobs to be able to go there in the summer which is also a possibility.

I recently bought my ticket from US to Istanbul via Detroit. I was checking all of the cheap fare websites daily. Mobissimo.com was consistantly the least expensive. $1056 with taxes, fees, and pretty rockin' travel insurance was the final total.

I'm glad you are going to go for sure! Congratulations. Thanks for the tip. Kayak is useless. The flights from the west coast US to Istanbul are always more expensive but I'd rather fly from here than go to NY first.

I booked my flight for $987 May 26 - July 8 from Istanbul to Milwaukee on Northwest/KLM. Knock about $100 off that to fly to Chicago. I saw fares on Lufthansa to Chicago as low as $821 but chose Northwest/KLM for frequent flyer purposes.

I have always used travelocity.com since it came into existence. It is built on the same Sabre software which many travel agents use.

Sadie, I remember you mentioning Memphis - I saw some low-price Northwest/KLM fares travelling via Memphis - hope you can hook something.

Thanks everyone! Burbaco - yes Memphis is a NWA hub...but so far I can't find anything decent through them.

Side Step just announced today some really good prices on Air France flights originating in the US for travel to European destinations they service but they are only good for travel from October to Dec. 2007. The catch is, you must book by May 2nd. They are also offering discounted C class fares from US cities to Paris. 65% off. You can check either web site.

If there are any students out there looking for flights, the cheapest one-way flights I've seen are with STA Travel (currently around $750).