I have used Britannia Airways on many occasions over the last 10+ years as I generally book family holidays through the tour operator Thomson / Portland and Britannia are their major contracted airline.
I returned from my most recent holiday last Sunday having spent 2 weeks in Ibiza. We travelled from our local aiport at Leeds / Bradford with evening flights to and from Ibiza.
On the outward journey we were delayed 20 minutes due to the previous Britannia flight having been held up on its return from Malaga.
On this particular trip we chose a flight without any in flight meal which appeared to be the choice of the majority of the passengers. On the outward flight we were allocated two rows of 3 seats at the very back of the aircraft. The checking in procedures were very thorough and very quick with only a 10 minute wait at Leeds and a 15 minute wait on the return journey from Ibiza.On the plane itself the seats were well maintained and had been recently upholstered with a facility to tilt the back rest once the plane had taken off. Legroom was a little cramped and I can quite imagine why people suffer from deep vein thrombosis on the longer haul flights. Having a 2 year old daughter I asked the steward for a pillow in order that she could have a nap. He was very corteous bringing a blanket as well.
Safety is taken very seriously by Britannia with preflight videos of the evacuation process for the aircraft and helpcards in the seat pockets. All exits are clearly marked and the craft is fitted with numerous smoke detectors. The inflight entertainment consisted of comedy and childrens programmes on TV and several music channels with free of charge headphones provided. The inflight magazine was well produced with many interesting articles on the Britannia company and holidaying tips. The toilets are rather small but spotlessly maintained. The cabin crew were immaculate in their Britannia uniforms and provided the option of duty free sales and in flight refreshments. I purchased 3 cartons of ribena at £1 each and 2 teas at £1.50 each ( a little expensive for a plastic cup in my opinion)
The captain was very informative providing regular updates as to the planes whereabouts and general snippets regarding the speed of the aircraft and weather reports.
The plane was particularly quiet on take off and landing with no one suffering from ear problems.
The return journey was of a similar standard with the plane taking off 10 minutes late but making up this time on route and landing at Leeds 5 minutes earlier than expected.
I would certainly recommend Britannia for short haul trips to Europe as they are a very customer friendly company and as part of the TUI worldwide travel organisation they are always looking at improving standards. The planes are instantly recognisable with Britannia logos prominent on the side and tail wing of the aircraft.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I used to travel with them in the 70's when I was in the forces. I remember them being good, clean ect. A bit different from the likes of Ryanair I now use, but that's because of the price. I suppose in the end you get what you pay for.
robert_parnham 27.10.2003 17:25
I agree with your opinion, but i don't think saftey on Britannia is any more or less important than other airlines. All planes have to have these saftey features and the saftey video is a combintation of laziness on the cabins crews' part and marketing waffle!
kimking 18.10.2003 15:03
I have never traveled with these. They do sound ok though. kim.x
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Oct 18th, 2003
very helpful by (80%):
helpful by (20%):
