Helios Airways : Read reviews and compare prices at Ciao.co.uk

Author's product rating:

Food Quality	Excellent
Customer Service	Friendly and attentive
Punctuality	Good
Space	Comfortable
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Great start to a holiday
Disadvantages:	Not going on holiday this year

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I'm not going away this year, this makes me very very sad (aahhhhh) So, in order to keep my spirits up I have to think of holidays past, happier, sunnier days,
and becuase I'm a bit of a saddo, I think 'Aahh, I can write an op on that, so here goes....

In July of 2001 me and the other half set off from the flat with every penny we had for two weeks in Cyprus, travelling with Helios Airways.

Obviously the first day of your holiday can set the tone of the experience. Therefore, if the flight is bad the holiday is tainted (don't even ask about Majorca!!)

We arrived at Birmingham airport one hour before the flight, were checked in quickly by a friendly Australian lady and just had time for a cup of tea and a sandwich before the flight was called. After being herded in by some rather attractive Cypriot hosts we were all set.

I was convinced we'd be on the tarmac for ages, but no. The plane taxied down the runways at precisely time stated on the ticket, and we were away.

The plane was a new 737, noticeably clean and comfortable. I was a little concerned before the flight as I have never heard of Helios before. I checked out the Website and was comforted to find they their planes were indeed new and not second hand.

There was sufficient leg room, although my 6ft 4" boyfriend was still a little bit squashed, but then that serves him right for being such a tall bugger. A pleasant colour scheme of blue and white, with leather (I dont know if it was real leather or not) seat.

After take off, when we were all settled in the attendants handed out one of those glossy celeb magazines (I don't remember which one, they're all the same really) to everyone that wanted one.

The in flight entertainment was the usual 'only fools and horses' style stuff you get on these flight, but you cant beat the classics. There were a couple of cartoons for the kids too.

The food was the best I've ever had on a plane. A cheesy pasta dish with a side order of humus and a little piece of warm soft pita. Accompanied by a small tub of orange juice and a mini toblerone. The tea was good too.

The in flight shop was quite good. A good quality catalogue was provided with all prices in Cypriot pounds. They will accept sterling notes if you ask them for the exchange rate but all change is in Cypriot currency. This may prove a problem on the journey home. I just put the change in one of those charity envelopes.

My other half mentions that the loos were nice, but I didn't go so I cant say much on that point

The only criticism was of the flight attendants. They were friendly and helpful but the English skills of some were little more than adequate. This did not seem to pose a problem to anyone so I can't complain too much.

The four-hour flight ended bang on time with little fuss or bother, however the landing was a little bumpier than I am used too. Not excessively bumpy but enough to notice.

The flight back was much the same, on time, comfortable and uneventful.

I don't remember what the meal was that time but I do remember getting two mini toblerones this time.

Incidentally, if you are going to Cyprus I would recommend buying all your fags, booze and smellies at the airport before the journey home. It's much cheaper.