im going back to uni tomorrow and i hate packing!!...i am sitting sulking in my room around masses o...
im going back to uni tomorrow and i hate packing!!...i am sitting sulking in my room around masses of half-filled boxes because i don't want to pack...zzzzzzz :)
Member since:09.03.2005
Reviews:4
Members who trust:2
I just recently flew from London Gatwick to Larnaca, Cyprus with Excel in Economy class. This is around a 4 and a half hour flight each way. I was overall very satisfied with my experience with this airline but, as with most things, there was room for improvement!
The worst thing was the delays, I was delayed both ways. On the way out we sat on the runway for an hour and ended up taking off around an hour and 15 minutes after the scheduled time. On the way back we were also delayed by about half an hour but this was not the fault of the airline as this was due to late passengers.
The first aspect that stood out was the cleanliness of the plane. Often I find when I travel that there is rubbish in the seat pocket left by previous passengers or other remnants but the whole plane was very clean and tidy.
The staff were very friendly and welcoming. They were constantly on hand for any need and when the
guy next to me pressed the button to call them for a drink they were there immediately. I felt very secure as they all seemed to be very efficient and in control and there was not that "chaotic" feeling that there sometimes seems to be on flights! (You know, when you find yourself pressing the "call staff" button over and over again because they don't bother coming to find out what you want!)
One problem I had was the leg room. I sat in the middle seat and I am very petite, despite this I did get some leg cramps which I do not usually experience when flying with other airlines. I can't imagine if I felt quite cramped how larger people must feel! For an idea of this, my boyfriend who is around 6 foot 1 had the aisle seat and he could barely move his legs. When the person in front reclined their seat it was near impossible to move around. Despite this, it was not a huge problem it just made the flight slightly uncomfortable. I mean, who moves around a whole lot on a plane anyway?! Also, the seats were quite wide which made them comfier. However, I think for a long haul flight or a night flight when people would want to stretch out to sleep, the space would pose a larger problem.
I was really impressed by the meal. Obviously plane food is never the best (!) but we were served sausages, potatoes and vegetables which tasted very good and was a BIG improvement on other airline food I have tasted. They also provided crackers,bread rolls,dessert and cups of tea and coffee. Although this is standard food, it all tasted good and seemed to be of very good quality.
The drinks cart came around twice on the flight which was also good as in the past when I have travelled to Cyprus on other airlines it has only come around once and the flight is just long enough that I think it's neccesary to come around again.
The inflight entertainment was also good as they put on a good range of programmes. They showed a film soon after we took off which was a typical Hollywood film so would be popular with most as light entertainment ideal for travel. This was also good that they provided the entertainment early on as it was a welcome distraction to make the flight pass faster. The film was followed by an episode of the Simpsons (always a favourite!).
Lastly, but probably most importantly, this airline provided one of the safest journeys I have experienced. The flight was very smooth and they were very conscientious. At the slightest sign of turbulence they would put on the seatbelt signs and this made me feel secure as they were so aware. On other airlines, there always seeems to be people falling over in the aisles when the plane hits turbulence as they do not bother to put on the signs but I felt very secure this time around.
The price of my flight, return from London Gatwick to Larnaca, Cyprus was 390 GBP. Considering I flew in high season (I departed 31st July), was away for 2 weeks, came back on a Sunday (obviously a popular time for people away for the weekend) and travelled to a very popular tourist destination, I think that this is exceptionally good value. Although I booked my flight only about 2 weeks before I left, I think that the prices are fairly steady as I could not find flights cheaper than that when I checked the airlines in mid-June.
Overall, I was very impressed with Excel Airlines. The plane was clean and the temperature was perfect as often planes are too cold (in my opinion). The food was of a higher standard than other airlines, the flight was smooth and the staff helpful, friendly, aware and conscientious. The entertainment was above average as were the majority of aspects of this airline. Do not be put off by the lack of space as the problem of leg room is present on the majority of airlines in Economy class. I would definitely fly with Excel again and would recommend it highly!
Great first review. I'll stick with my trusted british airways, but you certainly sold it well. x x x
jayandfoo 15.09.2005 21:54
Great 1st review! I agree about some Airlines being too cold. We flew with Excel a few years ago and they definitely were cramped, but got us there safely xxx
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.
Aug 16th, 2005
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (92%):
helpful by (3%):
