AIR
BERLIN
a 4 Star "low-cost" airline
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Air Berlin - by John Hughes
7 December 2006
I just returned from a return flight to Dussledorf from Glasgow, via
Stansted. It's quite relaxing really, and all my four flights were not
full, so I had a row of seats to myself each time (though this makes me
worry about the service's sustainability at such a price). On the return
through Stansted, they have improved the security situation, compared to
earlier this year when I ended up coming back through the main security
check, thus contributing to a flight delay on the connection. Now there
is a shortcut through passport and a dedicated security check for the
connecting flights. Everything was on time, if not early, so well done.
Air Berlin - by Jason Shutt
3 December 2006
Just recently flew to Belfast from Stansted, then back again 4 days
later. The flight out was on time, comfortable and complimentary food
set it completely aside from the competition in low cost airlines. The
aircraft on this occasion was a very old Fokker 100, you could tell
inside how old it was, but nonetheless, a relaxing short flight with
pleasant crew. The flight back was a new 737-700, much more presentable
with equal service, on time. The allocated seating works better as its
never a dangerous rush up the ladders or down the jetty to grab the best
seats. Easyjet and Ryanair should take a leaf out of Air Berlin because
where possible, its Air Berlin for me. Well done.
Air Berlin - by Sandra Collyns
27 November 2006
Stansted to Glasgow on a B737 700. I was very pleased with the service.
The flight was on time, a full service is offered and the cabin crew are
very efficient, if not friendly. They are by far the best airline
offering this route. The only strange thing is that the inflight
magazine was all in German - on a British domestic route, i would expect
at least a small section in English.
Air Berlin - by Terry Yong
5 November 2006
Rome to Muenster. Feels just like a full-service even though the
prices are budget. Offered newspapers, magazines (all german and italian though) and sweets during
boarding. Crew gave out either a ham or cheese sandwich inflight, with free coffee, tea or juice. I
had a coffee and orange juice. Service by the crew was decent but not outstanding. Inflight
entertainment was also available. Before landing, kitkat chocolate bars were handed out. Truely a
superb LCC airline!!
Air Berlin - by Gethin Morgan
1 November 2006
Stanstead to Nureemberg and back. First time with this airline, but certainly not the last. Friendly
and nice crew, leg room great plus a much needed and nice ham or cheese roll and coffee free.
Air Berlin - by Pierre Knoblauch
1 November 2006
I have used Air-Berlin now several times and its great! Very friendly
service, excellent comfort! I would recommend Air-Berlin to anyone who
wants cheap fares + comfort!
Air Berlin - by Chris Ilsley
27 October 2006
I have used Air Berlin several times on the Stansted-Berlin route. It is
incomparably better than any of the other low cost airlines; indeed
there is no indication, other than the truly low cost, that it is
anything other than a major player. Full marks must be awarded to Air
Berlin's cabin staff who act in a totally professional manner unlike
their pleasant, but embarassingly gauche, Easyjet/Ryanair counterparts.
Air Berlin - by Philippa Mizen
19 October 2006
Our third trip from Stansted to Palma with Air Berlin. Once again a
very good flight - slightly delayed on the outbound leg due to a family
getting caught up in the security queue. 30 minute delay on inbound due
to late arrival of plane but arrived at stansted only 20 minutes late.
The plane both ways was not full so made for a comfortable journey. This
is a superb airline who treats its customers like human beings.
Keep up the good work!
Air Berlin - by Greg Carpenter
17 October 2006
Over the past year, I have flown the London Stansted - Berlin TXL route
regularly, and consistently experienced above average level of service.
On each flight, a choice of snacks was provided free, in-flight
newspapers (including English-language papers on every other flight)
were handed out. The staff were friendly and attentive (never mind the
strong German accent of their flight attendants). Delays are less
frequent than with most other budget carriers in Europe; the fact that
seats are assigned (and a choice of preferred seating is offered) aso
limits the kind of group dynamics that makes travel with other leading
European low-cost carriers such a hassle.
Air Berlin - by M Sheldon
10 October 2006
MAN-STN. I was very disappointed. Flight delayed by around 20mins with
no apology or reason for the late departure. The plane was filthy and it
had not been cleaned at all. I'm only around 5'7 and the seat pitch on
this aircraft was very tight. It's interesting how Air Berlin is
operating a lot more internal UK services but when I picked up their in-
flight magazine, I noticed that it was only in German. Maybe I was
unlucky on this occasion, but for me once is enough.
Air Berlin - by Alexander Montgomery
25 September 2006
Zurich-Frankfurt. I only needed a one-way ticket, with other airlines,
it's cheaper to book a return flight. No such silly games with Air
Berlin. You need one-way, you pay one way, without a surcharge. Flight
time was 43 minutes in a new A320, the free magazines I picked up at the
entrance would have already cost me 10% of what I paid for the ticket.
Were offered a tasty sandwich and a choice of non-alcoholic beverages
for free. It's a shame that AB won't be flying this route anymore in the
future, using Swiss is comparably a very bleak alternative, with 85%
less miles and 100% less service.
Air Berlin - by Micha Frickenhaus
24 September 2006
Duesseldorf to Copenhagen. I don't know why, but for some reason, I had
been trying to avoid Air Berlin in the past, maybe because they're
mainly a tourist airline flying to sunny destinations in the
mediterranean region, but this time, I couldn't resist the temptation of
paying a mere 29 euros to get to the Danish capital - and I was very
surprised, included them in the list of my favourite airlines right
away! Friendly staff, they were smiling and joking even at 5 o'clock in
the morning, free in-flight snacks and magazines, clean and comfortable
aircrafts, nothing to complain about even though I was really trying to
find something - I will be flying them again!
Air Berlin - by Paul Stevenson
16 September 2006
Stansted to Nuremburg Boeing 737-800 - returning on an A320 that looked
new. A very good airline with basic, but adequate complimentary food
and drink. Seats pre-allocated, free German newspapers and inflight
entertainment - better than I expected. They don't feel like a low
fares carrier! I just hope their cost base allows them to compete with
the other major low fares carriers in the long term.
Air Berlin - by Phil Carter
8 September 2006
STN-VIE-STN. Very friendly and helpful check in staff both ways, and
very pleasant aircrew on both sectors, who were very keen to offer more
than one drink with the very fresh cheese/ham rolls on offer. Plane
was 40 mins late leaving Stansted which was not too bad. Return flight
was 2 hrs late and I was surprised how badly it was handled by Air
Berlin - from previous experiences with them I expected more. No
announcement was made regarding the delay, the screen displaying the
flight at the departure gate just went blank and stayed that way! No one
was available at the departure gate to ask and other staff just said it
wasn't their aircraft so didn't know. Eventually the flight came back
up at 'delayed 1.5 hrs' and a man appeared who cheerfully told us that
they hadn't really got a clue as to the real delay time they'd just put
up a time to keep us happy! After 2 hrs, staff arrived to board us, not
one apology or explanation offered. About 10 minutes from landing the
pilot made a very brief apology for being so late. As Air Berlin have
always been excellent before I'll ignore this blip but it should not
happen.
Air Berlin - by Eric Charlton
6 September 2006
Vienna to Düsseldorf . Very good impression. Friendly efficient onboard
personnel, punctual take off, perfect landing, palatable free onboard
snack and very comfortable roomy leather bound seat. That was my first
Air Berlin flight and if this is typical of their standard I shall
certainly use them again.
Air Berlin - by Chris Seal
6 September 2006
Stn-Txl-Stn Check-in easy. Didn't need to use my silver card to get
straight to check-in. For some reason, Air Berlin now fly from the
second terminal which means that if you have a Priority Pass card and
use the business lounge you have to leave the lounge with plenty of time
to get to the gate. You also have to rely on the lounge staff to keep
you informed on the details of your flight. However, once on board there
are no problems at all. Both sectors were fine with efficient staff. it
will be interesting to see what changes with their takeover of dba.
Air Berlin - by David Sherwell
22 August 2006
Manchester-Hamburg-Vienna return. I cannot see any reason for travelling
with a higher fare airline. Good check-in. Sweets and newspaper on
boarding (not necessary, but a nice touch). Sandwiches were fine and
better that KLM's cheap flight offerings. Modern fleet and excellent
flight record (no fatalities to date!) give a feeling of safety. Legroom
fine and in-flight service was more than adequate. An aborted takeoff on
the return leg was scary but well handled and the staff and airline
uncompromising in getting us back quickly. This was my second flight
with Air Berlin and they are now my first choice, displacing KLM.
(Flight experiences with KLM, Ryanair, EasyJet, BA).
Air Berlin - by A Colman
22 August 2006
Palma Mallorca to Stansted 12.8.06. In view of the reported chaos in the
UK post the recent anti-terror raids we fully expected a nightmare -
instead we had closer to a dream return trip, departing and arriving
within minutes of 'on-time'. The cabin crew were polite and efficient,
the information and handling staff at Palma were truly excellent, and
having used Air berlin for the first time on this family holiday I would
have no hesitation in booking with them again.
Air Berlin - by Hans Clahsen
12 August 2006
CPH-DUS and return. Base fare 1 Euro + add ons. Flight time exactly one
hour but was served candy, newspaper, tasty sandwich and drinks, all
free. Why can't an airline like this reside in the United States? Never
seen such a great service as I experienced on these short two flights.
Lufthansa, send your crews to Air Berlin for training.
Air Berlin - by David Rodriguez
3 August 2006
BCN-HAM-BCN. It's the second time I use Air Berlin. I got this return
flight for just €58. The flight was on time, in a new Airbus 320. We
were offered a sandwich, drinks and magazines for free. In addition,
there was the possibility to upgrade to a Do& Co meal (Hong Kong Noodles
in our case) for €9. I think the idea is quite good, but maybe it's
slightly overpriced, taking into account that if you take the upgrade
you don't take the sandwich. Out of this point, the price quality ratio
deserves a 10 out of 10. It's amazing that call themselves a low-cost
airline offers more value than most venerable airlines. Now I understand
why Iberia (one of the worst nightmares you can imagine) has had to
discontinue flights to HAM from BCN: Air Berlin outperforms it in every
dimension. Last but not least! Although I purchased the tickets in a
promotion, I have been awarded 1000 miles per journey.
Air Berlin - by Jonathan Focke
3 August 2006
DUS-STN-GLA return. I was surprised by the excellent service offered by
Air Berlin and the cabin staff. Really nice sandwiches and free soft
drinks, you wont find that on any other low-cost-airline.
Forget about Lufthansa, take Air Berlin
Air Berlin - by Oliver Tester
24 July 2006
BHD-STN on a Fokker f100. Flight was 2 hours late. Good comfortable
leather seats with lots of legroom very quite at front of aircraft where
I was seat 2A but noisy at back drinks served but no free food offered
even though on there website it said they do. Is this normal can someone
tell me. Would recommend this airline even though flight was 2 hours
late.
Air Berlin - by Matthias Schmutz
24 July 2006
ZRH-TXL-ZRH. Flight to TXL in a Boing 737-400. Brown non leather seats a
bit cramped and not very comfortable, leg room less than in the BAe 146
of Eurowings I used on my last flight to TXL. Free newspaper, small, but
very tasty sandwich, free soft drinks, friendly crew. Flight back in an
Airbus 320, new, thin leather seats the same as Swiss has in their
refurbished planes. All in all pleasant but quite equivalent to what you
get from Swiss. I will choose flights to TXL mainly based on the price,
where Air Berlin often has an advantage when booking very early, but
soon gets more expensive. One advantage of Air Berlin is their frequent
flyer programm, which really earns its name.
Air Berlin - by Alexander Montgomery
11 July 2006
Frankfurt to Zurich, economy class (one class only). I've used this
airline before and wasn't aware that they're expanding their fleet of
737s with Airbus 320s. So a very new plane with bright blue seats give
the cabin a very fresh look. I was lucky to get an aisle seat in the
exit row and was able to stretch out as like I were in C class, the
regular pitch is comfortable as well. When boarding you're offered
newspapers, magazines and candy. Cabin crew was friendly, attractive and
efficient. From take-off to landing the flight took exactly 30 minutes.
Nonetheless all passengers were given a fresh and very tasty egg and
cheese sandwich and a bottle of water. Take off and landing were
precisely on time. My conclusion is that if AB flies to the place you
want to go, book the flight with them. They offer much better service
than all European national carriers, their prices are lower, their staff
young, attentive and friendly, their planes new (average 3 years), they
have a great safety record and a unique frequent flyer program where the
taxes and fuel surcharges (which are often more than the actual flight)
on bonus tickets are paid by AB and not by the customer! It's great to
see AB expanding, hopefully they'll be offering longhaul flights to
selected destinations in some time. The concept is excellent: low cost,
full service. I don't know how they do it but it works. The earlier you
book the cheaper the flight, some of the introduction fares are 1 Euro
fares!
Air Berlin - by A Lund
8 July 2006
BCN-DUS-HEL-DUS-STN. Four sectors on Air Berlin, for a grand total of
less than 180 Euros. BCN-DUS 737-800, new plane with airshow on drop
down screens. DUS-HEL and back was on board an F100, smaller plane with
no IFE, but more comfortable than the 737s. New 737 700 DUS-STN,
slightly cramped as the plane was packed with world cup fans, but only a
short flight so no complaints. Crew on all flights extremely friendly,
with sweets on take off and again before landing. (Even had chocolates
on one of the flights!) Free sandwiches are tasty and help plug any
hunger gaps! Dusseldorf Airport is new and easy to use. (Although
there's no TVs once you go through border control - which made world cup
viewing tough!). All in all, would highly recommend. By far the best low
cost carrier have ever flown with.
Air Berlin - by Brian Morris
5 July 2006
Best low cost airline I've found. I flew return to Alicante from
Stansted in June 2006, the check-in at Stansted was very easy - 6 desks
open so no waiting and the return flight was just as easy. Reserved
seats so no boarding very relaxed. Free newspaper & sweet before
takeoff, pillow offered after takeoff and then a free ham or cheese roll
with the choice of a hot or cold drink - all no charge!!! Duty free
sales the cheapest I've seen on a EU zone flight and finally a free Kit-
Kat before landing. All in all flying with Air Berlin was a pleasure and
if you book early they can work out cheaper than Easyjet or Ryanair, and
anyway who wants to fly with Easyjet or Ryanair when there's Air Berlin
who treat you a person and not a nuisance!
Air Berlin - by David Schultz
5 July 2006
Dusseldorf - Vienna - Dusseldorf. Check-In in DUS was quick, although 5
minutes before boarding the gate was changed. 737-700 with a bit tight
leg-room, but all in all comfortable. No IFE on this flight. Service was
good, flight attendants were friendly and though they had a hard job on
this full aircraft, they always had time for a short joke. Drinks were
cooled well and cheese-sandwich was good. Departure and Arrival
perfectly on time. Return flight was on a brand new A320. Very nice
interior with Recaro leather seats. Enough leg room. Very comfortable
and simply stunning moving map displays. Service was again very good.
Got the same sandwich as on the first flight. And once again: planned
arrival in DUS 09:40am, actual: 09:38am. All in all a perfect service
for 80€ (both flights!). Highly recommended.
Air Berlin - by Martin Cox
5 July 2006
Bournemouth to Paderborn and return. I agree with all the compliments
this airline has had and deserves. Even flying in the middle of football
fever, a very efficient and friendly service. It is just a pity that it
needs to use Bournemouth which does not fit with this image.
Air Berlin - by Ian Aitchison
26 June 2006
Stansted - Belfast. Quick check in at STN, which, in the middle of the
early morning wave of low cost movements was a big plus. Boarding was
quick and hassle free (amazing how allocated seats makes it quicker than
the usual LC free for all!). FA's were polite and genuinely dedicated to
good service. Everything else was up to typical german standards of
efficiency. With this level of service from a low cost (but not low
standards) at a price which was less than my 2 day car parking cost,
what more do you need. 10 out of 10 for AB. I would strongly recommend
them to anybody and look forward to their route network expanding.
Air Berlin - by John Oram
10 June 2006
My second time with Air Berlin and still nothing to complain about. Far
from it. This is a LCC with retention of basic service, on my flights a
perfectly satisfactory roll and a drink with hot drinks routinely
offered in addition to ones cold drink. We flew STN-ALC-STN, a fairly
new route for BER operated by one of their ubiquitous B737-700s. The
cabin crew were highly effective and not at all intrusive with, for
example, the additional selling. Flights on time both ways and air
jetties at STN and for the return from ALC. BER do some excellent fares
and are well worth trying.
Air Berlin - by Edwin Gocuan
9 May 2006
Berlin Tegel TXL-Vienna and it earned its 4 star Low Cost airline
rating. Polite and courteous staff at the check in counter and check-in
was very quick and no hassle despite our group luggage was over the
limit at 23 kg. Flight departs on time and was full. Good and comfy
leather seats on clean Boeing 737 aircraft. Complimentary sandwiches and
drinks which most LCCs don't offer. Very attentive crew who don't
hesitate to please you. I would rate Air Berlin to be just a little
notch behind NIKI airline and would put the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet
to shame with their superb service. Fantastic value for money. I would
not hesitate to recommend Air Berlin to my friends.
Air Berlin - by Ian Aitchison
8 April 2006
London Stansted to Bergamo via Dusseldorf. Good efficient staff at STN with none of those horrendous
queues you get with other airlines. Easy boarding without fuss, probably because everybody has a
seat allocated. Departure delayed by 35 mins due to late inbound aircraft. Reason was not explained
but assumed it was linked to the french ATC strike. Just managed to get connection at DUS. Arrived
at BGY 5 minutes early. Professional service onboard with a freesandwich and drink. This is ideal
for flight of upto 2 hours and seems to make all the difference. I know its not much in value but it
goes along way with the seat allocation, efficient crews and expanding network. 10 out of 10 for a
low cost airline which suits the business traveller.
Air Berlin - by J Van Armstrong
26 March 2006
My daughter moved to Germany last year and I have used the Stansted to
Paderborn route six times in the past nine months. I am impressed with
the service and comfort of seating (I am nearly 6ft tall) and the cheap
fares. I would recommend Air Berlin to anyone.
Air Berlin - by Ed Machin
25 March 2006
STN-GLA-STN. This airline offers a great service and inflight is as good
as the only full service airline on the route now BA ,and knocks the
like spots of Ryanair, BMI and Easyjet. However, one major complaint. My
out bound flight to GLA from STN was held up waiting for passengers
from connecting flight s from incoming German destinations. My inbound
flight was late arriving to GLA because of the same reason. Not what you
need when you are relying on the Stansted Express on a Sunday night. If
AB want to remain on this route (and I seriously hope they do) they will
have to get this issue sorted out fast.
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