UPDATE 4 SEPTEMBER
:Re-write coming soon:
I would like to say that SriLankan has now pretty much returned to a service level that it will continue with for about a year, and there is more information on their revamped website accessible on www.srilankan.lk. Their fleet now comprises of ... Read review
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Advantages: Good meals, lovely staff, sexy staff, modern airbus fleet... Disadvantages: Dodgy shedule, no First Class just Economy and business!
...UPDATE 25 JULY
Sri Lankan suffered a major blow to their fleet during yesterday's attack on Bandranaike International Airport in Colombo. However, I have heard about how they are acting and they have handled this very well. They have lost three out of twelve aircraft through destruction and three are damaged.
But their website was kept up to date, and their services are resuming today. I must say, I have to congratulate SriLankan on their handling ... ...on Ciao**
'Welcome on board Sri Lankan airlines. We wish you a pleasant flight.' That's what I was told. And that, generally is what happened.
On nthe way out to Sri Lanka, from Heathrow, we - me and my family - were rather excited to be going to Sri Lanka. We had never been before, and were rather disappointed when we had to leave, but now, more about the airline.
Sri Lankan has only recently changed it's name form AirLanka - a good move because ...
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Advantages: Great Food and Crew, Comfy Seats, IFE is Top Notch! Disadvantages: Business Class always fully booked.
...to Singapore). Aircraft: A340-400
Sri Lankan is now handled by KLM at Heathrow and although their attitude was quite indifferent at check-in, it was a totally the opposite when onboard.
After being greeted with Ayubowan (traditional Sri Lankan greeting) at the door and taking my seat, I was given hot towels before the flight took off (I've not seen this done in 'economy' on another airline). They also given menu booklets to all the passengers in ... ...spent is being used for your service and enjoyment.
The crew were amazing: friendly and warm. I had a pasta type meal for dinner which surprised me wholely as the quality and taste was amazing. It was as if I was eating a freshly cooked meal in a restaurant!
They also had sandwiches in the galleys of the aircraft which passengers could help themselves to if they felt peckish.
The seats were very comfy and there were seatback TV's in all the seats ...
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Advantages: NONE Disadvantages: Non existent customer service, bad inflight service, limited leg room, damaged luggage
...fly again is Sri Lankan Airlines.
I flew Sri Lankan Airlines from London to Malaysia in July 04. First of all we were told to reconfirm our flight but the phone lines were either continually engaged or if you did get through you were put into a queueing system for a long time.
At Heathrow there were only 3 check in counters serving the entire flight hence check in really did take 2 hours of queueing . The flight was completely full hence the cabin ... ...oil. Worse still, Sri Lankan airlines has no customer support service whatsoever. I was given a number to report the damage to and after many rings someone would just pick up the phone and leave it on the side without answering it. After a day of trying I managed to get through only to be given more phone numbers to call to report the damage. I was sent on a wild goose chase (they gave me British Airways numbers to call) and then finally BA gave ...
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...to the 5* opinions of Sri Lankan Airlines. We travelled with them recently and had a variety of problems. We were due to fly from Sri Lanka to the Male in the Maldives at 0700 (and pick up a connecting sea-plane to the resort). However, the day before we were due to fly we were told that the flight had been re-arranged to 0500, so we missed most of our night's sleep.
However, that was only the start of our problems. After an early wake-up call, ... ...flights were being cancelled, including one to Australia. It seems that Sri Lankan Airlines don't have enough planes - hence my comment "always late, often cancelled". Check in staff seemed unable to sort out the problems.
Their fares appear competitive, but we found them to be unreliable. ...
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Advantages: comfortable seating, excellent in flight entertainment Disadvantages: local food!!
Having travelled to Sri Lankan with Sri Lankan Airways in October this year, I was pleasantly surprised with the on board service and the actual aircraft layout itself. I travelled on a 11 hour direct flight from Heathrow to Sri Lanka and sat on an economy seat. The seat itself was very spacious, with a seat pitch of 33" and seats had adjustable head and arm rests for extra comfort. Formation of seats was 2-4-2 and allocation of seats was pre-bookable ... ...word, 4 in a row and many others. On the whole I would fully recommend Sri Lankan Airways and would fly with them again in teh future. If you are worried about a long flight, Sri LAnkan Airways makes the flight so comfortable the time really does pass quickly. ...
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