I have lived, worked, and traveled in Africa for the past 15 years. Currently, I am stationed in Ka...
I have lived, worked, and traveled in Africa for the past 15 years. Currently, I am stationed in Kampala, Uganda. I work as a regional executive for an NGO.
Member since:29.12.2004
Reviews:9
Members who trust:2
I have lived and worked in Africa for the past 15 years, so I can certainly contribute more than my share of airline horror stories. Having said that, let me hasten to add that for the past six years I have been working in East Africa and fly on Kenya Airways about twice a month. So, this review is based on that experience.
Ground Agents/Reservations:
I usually purchase my tickets using a travel agent in Kampala that has served my very well for a number of years. I try to avoid the Kenya Airways office in Kampala because the inefficiency and careless attitude of the staff spoil the overall picture of Kenya Airways.
Kenya Airways has a very nice website where you can reserve flights and purchase tickets. I have never used the site, but I have navigated through--up to the point of purchase--and, it works in very straightforward manner.
Flight and Cabin Crew:
The Kenya Airways cabin crew are the HUGE reason for the success of Kenya Airways. They never fail to make me feel that they are genuinely happy I am flying with them. They serve efficiently and carefully. I have watched them politely and nicely serve some real expatriate bozos who seem to think they are still living in the colonial era.
Most flights I take with Kenya Airways are 80-90% filled. In a one hour flight they efficiently serve a snack...drinks...pick up the trash...and, run the duty free cart up and down the aisle at least once. A good deal of work!
Aircraft:
Kenya Airways has pretty much an "all Boeing" fleet. They fly 737-200's and 737-300's on the shorter regional flights, and 737-700er on the longer continental flights. They have 767's for some African continental flights as well. The 777 I usually find on the flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi.
On the older aircraft you can face the problem of smaller overhead luggage bins...but, usually, everyone finds a place somewhere for their carry-on. The 767 and 777 have some nicer carry-on space. The entertainment systems on the 767 and 777 are nice, but with somewhat limited selection. On the 737-700er the entertainment system is via fold down flat screens placed through out the cabin.
Business Class:
Business class on the 777 is very nice. They have the flat beds for sleeping, and they let you sleep, too! (Unlike, for instance, Ethiopian Airlines which seems to have a policy that you MUST wake up at 3 AM for your meal). Business class meals are still served on real china and with real silverware.
Business class on the 737's is pretty much like business class on USA airlines....a comfortable seat with plenty of legroom...but, not a flat bed.
(If my boss is reading this review...I swear I was only flying business class because of a courtesy upgrade...really!)
Food Service:
Meals on Kenya Airways are pretty much "OK" ... but, not spectacular by any means. On shorter flights you will be offered a "snack" (which means: a funky little chicken or beef sandwich). On longer flights the meals are very nicely portioned and have a definite Indian flavor to them. Breakfast I usually find a gummy bread roll, a cup of flavored yogurt with some cereal to mix into it...and, tea or coffee.
Partnerships:
Kenya Airways is a partner with KLM and Northwest Airlines. With the new relationship between KLM and Air France the partnership has expanded a bit. With Kenya Airways you can also join the KLM Flying Dutchman program for frequent fliers, and I have found that program to work reasonably well...even though I have hear some unconfirmed rumors from other frequent fliers about corruption in the program. I have, on occasion, found the Flying Dutchman "Help Desk" in Nairobi to be not too much help at all.
First/Business Class Lounge in Nairobi:
The KLM First/Business class lounge in Nairobi is a bit hidden. To find the lounge, you need to follow the crowds across the "sky bridge" to the immigration area. Just before entering the immigration area you will find a passage way (either to the left or right, depending on which immigration area you are in) that leads to another passage way and set of stairs. The lounge is on the next level up.
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