How many of you fine people make a decision to actually fly an airline based on a review by a journalist or any person who flew courtesy of that airline?

How many of you fine people make a decision to actually fly an airline based on a review by a journalist or any person who flew courtesy of that airline?

One cannot make a decision based solely upon a single data point. One must compare and contrast the experience of others, measure it up against one's own experiences, and decide accordingly.

I usually read a variety of reviews before deciding on which airline to take. These range from AusBT journalist reviews, passenger reviews on SkyTrax, cabin pictures from Airliners.net, and word of mouth from people I know who've flown with said airline. 

It certainly helps to see what is available 'behind-the-scenes' with additional privileges given to courtesy passengers, and allows fine people like yourself and others to enjoy these benefits when next you do chose to fly.

As the airlines say, 'we realise you have a choice...', but the decisions on who to fly on, are  actually made on VALUE, and this takes into account many, many factors including flight times, loyalty, and reviews (which is greatly appreciated)

They're interesting to see the hard product (if real photos are available and not press shots), otherwise I don't take any other variables into account. Prefer to read reviews on FT, AFF etc where several individual people can share experiences. 

Being they seem to review the latest upgraded airline aircaft I find it nice to see reviews of all classes available, services, entertainment, comfort etc etc.

Whether it is affordable to me or even available to me; I would then consider the airline based on the review.

I would not base my decision based on one solo review.

Yeah despite SkyTrax being corrupt to the teeth, the passenger reviews are mostly genuine, so I like to use that.

Robert, what is the subtext of your question? I think that is far more interesting ;)

VA domestic J flight reviews vs. actual paying passenger experience is always an interesting contrast. 

Exactly

I'm sure I would never consciously do so. However, everything I read  or hear about an airline will no doubt get squished together in my brain to create the general impression I have of that airline long after I've forgotten about any individual article I've read, and there's ain't a goddamn thing I can do about it. 

Never, particularly not when they fly courtesy of the airline.

There was an article in The Age today about the review of the SYD/DFW in Business courtesy of Qantas. It was a tad nauseating how uncritical the review was. It comes across very amateurish and certainly targeted to a certain demographic.

Eurgh, I saw the same article in the SMH. QF J is usually pretty good, but that was indeed nauseating.

Well done i am impressed.