CROATIA AIRLINES review : 25 June 2008 : by Ernst Boermans

Customer Rating : 1/5

Zadar to Zagreb, departing on 22 June 2008 at 6.45 and arriving at 7.15, with an onward connection to Amsterdam at 8-30. After a very early start, we got to the airport and were told that the flight had been cancelled (they had my phone number but did not call). There was no one from Croatia Airlines present and they did not pick up the phone. Since the airport has no lockers and there was nowhere to leave our luggage, we sat there for nine hours waiting for the next flight to depart and a Croatia Airlines representative to show up. We were then booked on the next flight, which was 24 hours later. Croatia Airlines initially played dumb when we asked where we would spend the night and who would pay for hotel, food and transport. The staff is clearly instructed to provide as little information or assistance as possible. We had to threaten to sleep on an air mattress in front of Croatia Airlines' office, take pictures and email these to one of the local tabloids, before they booked us in a hotel at their expense. We arrived in Amsterdam with 24 hours delay.

Croatia Airlines review - by Andrija Matic

12 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

DBV-ZAG-LHR return and DBV-ZAG-BRU return economy class. Pleasant and clean cabin interiors with good legroom. Cabin crew attentive. F&B service good (on domestic legs a bit modest but ok considering flight duration). During flights short tourist films about Croatia shown. Croatia airlines is fully integrated into Miles & More frequent flyer program and I earned miles on each flight.

Croatia Airlines review - by Ron Kuhlmann

9 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

FRA-SPU-ZAG-FRA Economy. All short flights but the crews were attentive and service was good. Originating flight from FRA severely delayed by weather but good info was given and the situation was handled well.

Croatia Airlines review - by R Zeljko

11 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Business class London Heathrow to Zagreb and back. On a first flight I was the only one in a business class but on a return flight were 6 passengers. Airbus A320 aircraft on both flights. Cabin interior and seats very nice blue design - seats have table in the middle leaving the normal middle seat empty. Before take off crew offered orange juice, tissues and some cakes. Big choice of international newspapers. Very personal service, good food (hot meal) and a big choice of beverages. Zagreb airport lounge very bad.

Croatia Airlines review - by Jeffrey Leong

9 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Gatwick-Dubrovnik return economy. For onward flight, had to wade through crowded terminal but it was not airline's fault that Gatwick was packed almost to the seams with people. The flight was about 30 mins late. Airbus plane was spacious, with good leg room, comfortable and clean. Actually, the economy were the same seats as in business, only difference was in business, the middle seats in the latter had a table folded down. Our flight was only two thirds full there were so plenty of empty seats in the middle. Light meal was served which was better than what most "full service" airline would have offered on a short European flight. Return flight was a bit more chaotic. The boarding screen in Dubrovnik airport indicated that our flight was "boarding". However, we waited for 50 mins and nothing happened. We were not told our plane had been delayed. Communication was poor. When we were allowed to board, we had to get onto a bus even though the plane was literally a few yards in front of the departure gate facing us! When the bus was packed with passengers, it made a short round on the tarmac before we were let off again. The passengers laughed because it seemed somewhat funny and silly like we were in some kind of a comedy show on TV! Why can't the airline just asked us to walk a few steps straight to the aircraft? Return flight again with nice and warm cabin crew with similar light meal. Croatian Airlines inflight service is actually rather good but their ground service especially in Dubrovnik airport leaves quite a lot to be desired.

Croatia Airlines review - by Roy Wilson

5 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

The first time we have used Croatia Airlines and found them very good. Flights were on time. On boarding met by smiling staff who seemed genuine. After take off promptly served wine or soft drinks and a meal which of a good standard. All seats had plenty of legroom - comfortable and clean.

Croatia Airlines review - by Lynn Penfold

18 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Gatwick to Split return. Food reasonable with a distinct local twist. All our cabin crew had smiles and apart from a delay on return, as the plane coming from somewhere else in Croatia was delayed, ran to schedule. They had pre-booked our seats because of his knee replacement and arranged transport, including at Gatwick on return – something that doesn't always happen even on more well-known airlines. Seats were comfortable and free drinks (wine and soft) served promptly.

Croatia Airlines review - by Mike Peterson

6 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Our outward flight was from Heathrow terminal 2 via Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Return was direct, Dubrovnik to Gatwick. We had to endure three hours additional wait in Heathrow terminal 2 (probably among the worst places in the world to wait for a plane), without any explanation for the delay. After sitting on the plane without any further details of the problem, we finally departed four and a half hours late. We actually managed to catch our connection in Zagreb, not because they had held it for us, but because that was late too. On our return from Dubrovnik, we were again delayed. This time it was for five hours. No explanation was given, nor were we offered any refreshments. One of our party managed to track down an airline representative. She told us it was because of forest fires. It's strange that no other airlines were delayed in this way, while all Croatia Airlines flights were late or cancelled. On the plane, the food was average for an airline (which is pretty awful). The only consolation was that the portions were small. The staff were OK until they were asked the reason for the delay. They seemed to be under instructions not to comment. No apology or reason was given for the delay while we were on the plane. Croatia Airlines seem to have a culture of lateness. I echo the sentiments of the rest of our party - never again.

Croatia Airlines review - by R Coles

9 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Wouldn't use them again if they were the last airline on earth. Flight attendants sulky, no flight info given, no inflight films to watch, food disgusting and tiny portion. Worst thing was Dubrovnik airport on return flight. All Croatian Airlines flights were delayed for hours and nobody would tell us why. Lots of other aircraft carrying on as normal, but Croatia Airlines flights not only delayed but with no estimated departure time (causing us to wonder if the company might have gone bankrupt). Complete lack of info - we expected at the very least for a CA representative to make a tour of the dep lounge to explain, apologise and perhaps give us food vouchers. Nothing, no communication at all. We were not happy!

Croatia Airlines review - by Matt Ray

17 May 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Decent airline once you are onboard. Nice interior, flight attendants nice enough, decent basic food. One very strange thing happened on my flight to Dubrovnik (on a somewhat scary prop plane). When we arrived they told us that due to weight restrictions on the plane due to a full flight, they decided to just leave all the luggage behind! It was sort of hilarious as they were so upbeat and chirpy about it when they were telling us, but we just couldn't believe it. Luckily, I had a Croatian taxi driver who was picking me up arrange for my bags to be delivered to me the next day. Given their command of English I am not sure that I could have done it on my own.

Croatia Airlines review - by Phil Oliver

1 March 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Have used Croatia Airlines on number of occasions to Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik from London and found cabin crew to be genuinely friendly and helpful. On board food is fine.

Croatia Airlines review - by Tom Partridge

2 November 2006

Frankfurt-Zagreb. A very comfortable flight in a nice, clean, brand new A320. The staff were friendly, and the plane left on time, and landed early. No complaints, apart from that they had run out of cheese sandwiches, and I was left with a choice of turkey or turkey.

Croatia Airlines review - by Stephen Crosby

5 October 2006

Business class London to Rijeka return. Shared lounge with Lufthansa at Heathrow. Food on outward flight not good, on return flight no business check in desk, no lounge, inflight food was a rather stodgy omelette, not offered a second coffee. The business class cabin was occupied by at least 50% upgrades from economy. Am afraid after business travel on many airlines during working life this must be the worst. Definitely not worth the extra £200 or so each. Perhaps should have chanced my luck for an upgrade.

Croatia Airlines review - by Joy Throssell

22 December 2005

Dubrovnik flight cancelled. They bussed us to Split, 5hous, then refused to re book us or send our luggage to final destination. We had been up at 3.30 am to get the flight. Arrived in Split by bus, but because we had to get our bags and re-book we missed all flights for the day. In any event they lost my luggage and it is still not found. Had to spend night in Frankfurt at their expense. This could all have been avoided if they had rebooked us and sent our bags to final destination. It took 3 days to get back to Portland. Service on board was okay but the luggage situation is terrible.

Croatia Airlines review - by Mike Langford

8 November 2005

Croatian Airlines to Split for a 3 centre holiday arranged through Saga. The aircraft was clean and there was decent legroom. Both flights were on time, so far so good. The cabin staff must have missed quite a bit of the training course relating to customer satisfaction or perhaps they had their smiles removed by surgical procedure whatever the reason they were the most miserable cabin crew I had ever seen. Next, the in flight "meals" I don't think that in all the previous flights I have taken that I have had worse food thrown at me, it was absolutely awful. No more Croatian Airlines for me ever.

Croatia Airlines review - by Mark Guthrie

22 October 2005

Croatia Airlines economy class on 23 September from Split to Rome Fiumicino and return on 25 September. It's only a 40 minute flight but the staff served complimentary drinks (including wine) and a sandwich which is much more than you get say on Austrian on a flight of this duration. Flight attendants were friendly and welcoming even more so on the return flight where they escorted boarding passengers to their seats. I haven't seen that happen in a very long while. The plane was in immaculate condition and the captain kept us informed of progress at all times.

Croatia Airlines review - by Albert Raveh

29 June 2005

On my flight from Tel Aviv to Zagreb and back, the stewardesses were very sympathetic, helpful, patient, elegant and good looking. The flight was pleasant but there was one thing everybody was complaining about: the awful food served during the flight. I have been flying with many airlines almost all over the globe but had never had such a bad meal before. That's one point Air Croatia should pay attention to.

Croatia Airlines review - by G Kurtovic

3 May 2005

Rome Fumicino to Dubrovnik via Split and Zagreb. The business class lounge 'The Amfora' in Rome is more than bad. There is not self service and no light food. The staff is not friendly at all. Croatia Airlines is not able to check you in all the way to the final destination. At every airport you have to leave the airplane and go throu the check-in or passport control again. The Inflight service is ok and Croatia Airlines staff is very friendly.

Croatia Airlines review - by Mike Chambers

18 February 2005

Amsterdam-Zagreb on Valentines day, return 16 Feb. Both legs fantastic. The self check-in at AMS excellent. No faults to mention. After flying KLM for years, this was a pleasant shock. Just like the old service and a smile.

Croatia Airlines review - by Dubravka Romano

17 November 2004

Just returned from a trip to Croatia where I flew Croatia Air on the Paris-Zagreb and Zagreb-Paris legs. While in Croatia I also flew Croatia Air from Zagreb-Pula. This trip like others I have taken previously went off without a hitch. Clean planes, professional and pleasant crew and decent food even on short flights. This was much better than most domestic flights in the US.

Croatia Airlines review - by Tony Lovell

24 September 2004

Just returned (sept2004) from holiday to Dubrovnik flying Croatia Airlines to/from Manchester (OU 504/505). Both journeys were comfortable and the service from very friendly cabin staff was both excellent and speedy. The seat comfort and legroom were much better than many other airlines (maybe because this is a scheduled service rather than a charter) even though most of the passengers were package holidaymakers. Long delay in getting baggage off plane in Manchester but this reflects incompetent ground operations there and is nothing to do with airline.

Croatia Airlines review - by Keith Leech

2 June 2004

On our recent visit to Croatia for a sailing holiday. The plane, Flight number OU493 from Heathrow to Split on 1st May 2004, was2 hours late due to mechanical problems. On the return home on 15th May 2004, flight number OU492 from Split to Heathrow, was also 2 hours late leaving Split due to mechanical problems. This meant we missed our onward connection to Inverness Scotland which was the last flight of the day . This caused my wife and I a great deal of stress, inconvenience and resulted in considerable extra cost approx £250 sterling. Once we can excuse but twice in succession there is no excuse.

Croatia Airlines review - by Duje Rako

30 April 2004

I fly with Croatia Airlines twice a month for two years now mostly on domestic relations (Zagreb - Split) and mostly in economy class. For our circumstances this is way much better option from buses and trains. All aspects of flight and corresponding activities are done professionally with a smile on face. Critique goes only to catering; which is poor on domestic flights.

Croatia Airlines review - by Clive Wootton

23 March 2004

I have unfortunately been badly let down by Croatia Airlines. I had booked a holiday several months ago, through Balkan Holidays and recently we were told that the airline had overbooked our flight to Dubrovnik. I was first offered a different day, which I accepted, even though it caused me much reorganisation, then we were told the flight had been overbooked again and offered a flight from a different UK airport to Zagreb, this I could not make, so all in all I don't have a very favourable comment to make.

Croatia Airlines review - by Samuel Brackley

2 November 2003

Very short flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, much better than taking the 12 hour coach!  The check in staff were very helpful, the flight and aircraft were both excellent, just a little bit tight on giving out food and drink.

Croatia Airlines review - by Marco Matta

20 October 2003

Frankfurt to Zagreb and Zagreb to Dubrovnik plus Dubrovnik to Rome. The best is the simplest way to describe Croatia Airlines. The first two flights I took were in Business Class: I was served a drink as soon as I was seated, then another with my hot meal and I also ate on the flight to Dubrovnik. Third flight was in Economy Class but the food as well as beverage were as good as a week before. The cabin crew - well my girlfriend is Croatian so seeing young, great-looking women was no surprise but always a huge pleasure of course. Cleanliness is total and not even Swiss is able to match it.

Croatia Airlines review - by Robert Mariani

11 September 2003

Traveled with Croatia on several occasions during the last 6 years. Every time we traveled with them their service and helpfullness was outstanding, cabin crew was friendly and their airplanes are always clean. We traveled from Paris to Zagreb, from Frankfurt to Zagreb, and from London on several occasions. Every time we traveled from London we couldn't help but notice how helpful and understanding their crews were (on ground and in the air), compared to the Virgin Atlantic's crew which did everything to make our 11 hour trip from LAX and the four hour layover in London as miserable as they could. Croatia's crew was always like the breath of fresh air, and I wish Mr. Branson sends some of his staff to be trained there.

Croatia Airlines review - by J Soper

06 October 2002

I, together with my wife, have travelled with Croatia Airlines during the past three years and I can say without a shadow of doubt the staff, service and assistance we have received has been second to none. Travelling with them has been a real pleasure and it is a pity other airlines do not follow their examples by putting passengers first and foremost.

Croatia Airlines review - by C Littlejohn

24 August 2002

Croatia Airlines is a great airline that is well up to the standards of any other European carrier. The cabin crew are friendly and the aircraft are modern Airbus/ATR's . The Aircraft cabins are clean, the seats have lots of legroom and are very comfortable. (2x2 in business, unlike 2x3 on most other European airlines.) Flying Croatia Airlines on domestic flights in Croatia beats taking the bus any day, with extremely low fares, making it more economical to fly than spend 15 hours in a bus. Snack meals and drinks are offered in business class on even the shortest flights, with a carton of juice and a snack in economy.

Croatia Airlines review - by David Ferrett

11 May 2002

I agree with previous comments. I flew Croatian Airlines in April from London to Zagreb then to Sarajevo, returning the same way. Flights were good, cabin staff were efficient and friendly, and staff in Zagreb and Sarajevo were also friendly and efficient. I would certainly use this airline again.

Croatia Airlines review - by Thomas L Berlin

04 January 2002

My first experience with Croatia Airlines was okay. Berlin - Dubrovnik in 2 hours of comfort and friendly stewardesses. Catering could be much better. I can also recommend this carrier!

Croatia Airlines review - by George Smith

5 November 2001

My first time on Croatia Airlines and I must say I was really pleased. Modern airplanes and the most
wonderful staff.

Croatia Airlines review - by Andreas Lenz

03 October 2001

I would like to give some comments on Croatia Airlines Economy Class Service. I took Croatia Airlines for several flights between Dusseldorf - Split and Dusseldorf - Zagreb. All these flights were carried out with modern Airbus 319/320 aircraft, equipped with video system - but unfortunately not yet showing movies and the "air show". Flight attendants were mostly very young and both attentive and good looking. Unfortunately food was just average and in quantity not very much - but it looked much better than those of many other airlines' food on short haul flights. Flight attendants seem to like their job, and their smiles seem to come straight from their hearts. For flights to Croatia, I can just recommend Croatia Airlines!