Martinair - by Bradut Florescu

25 February 2005

Martinair from Amsterdam to Cancun. The tickets were pretty cheap and so was the flight. I did not go for Star Class and as soon as I entered their plane, I congratulated myself - as I did not see much of a difference between Economy and Star Class. The food was acceptable and the pilots did a good job, despite the weather. The flight attendants acted like beginners for a couple of times. Behind me, there were two passengers who were drunk and started to fight. At a certain moment, one of them threw a bottle towards the window and broke the plastic glass! The attendants finally arrived and acted like they didn't know what to do! Never mind. In a nutshell, it's cheap flying and I would not repeat the experience unless I have no other option.

Martinair - by Drew McManus

4 January 2005

MIA-AMS-MIA. Was taking a last minute trip to AMS and found incredibly reasonable fares for "Star Class" supposedly a business class product. Had never heard of Martin Air before this flight but as the "Star Class" fare was far cheaper than economy on any other airline and it was the only carrier with non-stop service on this route, decided to give it a go. After a relatively smooth check in, proceeded to a very spacious and comfortable lounge where free booze and not much else was available. After the flight was called, we moved to the gate area, where it was delayed and delayed and delayed for two hours or more. All I can say is I assume they wanted to close the lounge. When boarding finally commenced, we boarded first. The plane, a 767-300ER, looked to be one of the first made. The seats were a joke. 6 abreast with less room than domestic first class MD-80. No recline, legroom suitable for the Roaming Gnome and an absurd footrest. Food was appalling, drink service was available if you went and asked for it. The return trip was no better. If you are looking for a cheap way to get to Europe then I would actually recommend Martinair. However, I think it is misleading to advertise "Star Class" as a business class product, which it is most definitely not. If you are a dwarf who is fasting and this was your first plane trip, you might consider this a premium product. The old adage applies to Star Class "If it sounds too good to be true"

Martinair - by Judy Fonville

26 October 2004

Star Class - October 2004. My husband and I flew from Orlando to Amsterdam in Star Class on row 1. Check in at Orlando was good - we were given prior boarding. Even with row 1, our seats were not what I would consider large or equivalent to business class. When we both put our arm on the arm rest between us, our arms touched - so the arm rest was cramped at best. Food, I must say was good. Service was ok but the cabin crew seemed to be obsessed with making sure the curtain was always snapped (we had to go through that curtain to the lavatory). Very cramped space and it was very hard to sleep even on the first row. Seat didn't recline any more than a regular coach type seat. The foot rest is a "joke". I'm 5' tall and it didn't accommodate me. The return flight from Amsterdam to Orlando was more chaotic. There was no pre- boarding for Star Class so there was only one seating call which was like a giant cattle call. Everyone rushed to the gate. Again, we were on the first row and the seating again was cramped and NOT the equivalent of a business class seat. Again, the food was good but to be honest, it was no better than the food we ALWAYS used to get on the regular coach airlines. To be honest, I felt ripped off because I paid $1233 per person for those seats and I could have flown coach for a lot less and felt very little difference in comfort had I chosen an aisle seat. I wouldn't fly Martinair again - I'll pay the extra and get what I pay for.

Martinair - by Mark Bisbing

22 October 2004

Martinair Star Class - Amsterdam to Miami - October 20, 2004. All things considered, this service is a bargain at about E900 / USD1150 one-way with no advance booking. Check-in was quick in a dedicated Star Class line. I wasn't told I was entitled to use the KLM business class lounge but fortunately I asked and was directed to it. The multi-airline lounge left much to be desired -- it was crowded and messy in the early morning, with a paltry array of snacks amounting mostly to packs of crackers, potato chips, tiny muffins and, somewhat improbably, huge bowls of olives, also no boarding calls and no easily visible monitors -- but the seating was more comfortable than what's available in the terminals. Boarding was complete choas as there is neither a Star Class preboarding nor a row or group boarding for economy, hence a mob formed at the gate and traffic inside the plane quickly came to a standstill. This was simply ridiculous and there is no reason for Martinair not to implement the cost-free fix of staggered boarding. Onboard seating was reasonably comfortable, rather like a first class seat on short-haul US domestic flight. This aircraft was clean and looked quite new. A manually operated footrest offered somewhat cramped comfort. The pillows were clean and covered in good quality cotton cases, but the blankets were small and thin. In-flight entertainment was a bit bland and was presented cabin-wide on ceiling-mounted monitors except for three wall-mounted monitors in row one. Row 1 is probably the best choice on this flight for legroom and ease of viewing monitors. Champagne and juice were served upon boarding with cocktails and nuts to follow. Martinair offered three meal choices described on a large menu. The entire meal arrived on one tray with the dessert served later on a separate tray. Quality was good and the foods were served at the appropriate temperatures. A small hot snack appeared about 3 hours after lunch followed by a cold luncheon tray about 90 minutes before arrival in Miami. In-flight service could have been better. There seemed to be only one FA principally responsible for the 24 Star Class seats, meaning long lags between drink orders and drink service, virtually no wine refills, etc. She and most of the other FA's seemed rather young and inexperienced, almost as if they were in training for better things with Martinair's parent, KLM. What they lacked in experience, however, they more than possessed in charm and enthusiasm, a welcome change from the surly staff on so many long-haul flights. At one-third the cost of business class on major airlines, Martinair's Star Class is an excellent value. Give it a try.

Martinair - by Martin Brown

12 October 2004

I flew with MartinAir Economy from AMS to MIA (Amsterdam to Miami). The aircrew were courteous and friendly and the service was good. Check in via KLM at LBA (Leeds Bradford) was painless allowing me to check in for both flights, however the representative from Martinair tore my ticket up and moved me from an emergency exit row seat to a normal seat without asking, even though I had checked in hours before. Interior looked dated with old CRT screens in the aisle instead of little LCD screens in the seat backs, but I slept okay on return flight and even though lights were off, the cabin crew still served water and juice to those who were still awake (I noticed when I woke briefly). Return flight was late leaving, but the captain used his extra cruising speed which made up almost all of the time, allowing me to catch the connecting flight back to the UK without major problems. I even had enough time to purchase tax free goods at AMS.

Martinair - by Max Apotowski

27 August 2004

My girlfriend and I recently flew Martinair Starclass from Amsterdam to Miami and back. Check-in was quick and I had booked my seats together with the ticket. We had row 1 a and b and that means on the 767 you get you own small screen. (it’s not good but it’s better than the screens above your head) Have to say that the food was great. We had choice of 3 types of main course and we choose the Indonesian one. It was really good with everything you expect from such a diner. We had a glass of Chardonnay and that was pretty good. The seat and cabin design are very poor. It's like visiting a plane from the early 80's. The outfit of the cabin staff is also very old fashioned (but what’s wrong about travelling back in time). They have horrible dusty flower arrangements that should be destroyed immediately. The staff however was very nice and attentive and tried to make you feel as comfortable as possible. A wide arrange of magazines is provided and during the flight the star class attendant provided us with every drink and snack we wanted. I would fly star class again certainly for the price. I hope they give the interior a minor face-lift soon.

Martinair - by Iain Mottram

9 July 2004

AMS-MIA. I wasn't expecting a lot from Martinair having never heard of them. The uniforms worn by the crew look uncomfortable because of their retro styling which I must say I really liked. The crew were very professional, always smiling, very attentive and helpful, you couldn't ask for more, other airlines could take a lesson from these guys. The plane was an reasonably old 767 but was clean and seemed well maintained. The food was very good, far better than most airline food I've eaten in economy, equal to British Airways and better than any of the US transatlantic airlines. The cutlery was metal too, not something you see often these days. In all a very good experience with one only gripe: the seats are lousy, there isn't enough height to support your head so trying to sleep is tougher than in a usual economy seat.

Martinair - by Jurek Chlebowski

21 June 2004

I have flown with my wife and 7 years old daughter AMS-Varadero-AMS (01/06/04-15/06/04). We have flown both ways with B-767 with economy class. The plain both ways was not full, so we had quite a lot of space. AIRPLANE: clean, pleasant, we did not have any impression that it was old etc. STAFF: very nice, friendly and really helpfull and polite. We had some little stomach problems on the way back and they were really ready to help, interested in our condition, always there when we needed. FOOD: in terms of flight meals - very nice food, good tasting, we had a selection from two different types, our daughter received special kid's meal, and she was able to put together some toy from the box - nothing special, but just some time of amusement for her during the boring flight. A selection of drinks to the meal, between meals you need to buy alcohol but all soft drinks are free of charge. OTHER SERVICE: really on high level, on our connection flight we have flown KLM and they are a way behind the service of Martinair. Our daughter on the entrance received a bag with some crayons, some books to draw - also very nice thing if you have to apend 10 hrs in a plane. Movie service very good - really good and new films both ways and some funny comedy extra + some cartoons for kids. The pilot informed twice about the flight schedule, the flights were very calm and pleasant. Sits were just as I would expect on the economy class in any airline. Total rating: very good, I would recommend it and would take this airline again for sure in contrast to KLM.

Martinair - by Jasper Hesselink

7 June 2004

I flew from Amsterdam to Porlamar and back in the Star Class. Just 6 passengers in the Star Class cabin, so plenty of space. Very friendly staff and good service. Meals tasted very good, we could choose from 3 different menus from the card. The seats were OK for me, I've had a good sleep, but the pitch shouldn't have been any smaller. Poor entertainment, but just as you expect from a charter. I paid 175 Euro extra for the upgrade to the Star Class and think it's absolutely worth it.

Martinair - by Laurens Kruithof

17 August 2003

I flew to Punta Cana with Martinair in Star Class . Service was good, meals / drinks nice and the flight attendants good. Seat pitch was poor and entertainment system wasn't working very well. I flew back in Star Class - I can never sleep in a plane , so I get hungry and wanted to buy something at the rear galley - but they ran out of nearly everything. I asked for some rolls and the attendant said he was going to look for them and return - he never returned. 

Martinair - by Mike O'Riordan

4 August 2003

Our trip to Cuba began well. At Arlanda, KLM checked us in all the way to Havana and we then went to the KLM business lounge. Our flight from Stockholm left on time. On arriving in Amsterdam we again went to the KLM business lounge but were told that Martinair was a separate organisation. With flight MP 0619 scheduled to leave at 14.00 on 17 July, we finally boarded the plane at 15.30.We were informed by the pilot that the delay was due to a technical problem (reading customer surveys about Martinair on the web in the last 12 hours, delays due to technical problems are common at Martinair, which is very worrying from a safety perspective). At 15.30 on 17 July we got to our seats at the back of the plane. According to recent recommendations long haul carriers should have a seat pitch between 28"and 34" (70 - 85cm). Our seat pitch was certainly not more than 70 cm i.e. similar seat spacing for a short haul flight with Easyjet. The captain informed us that passengers would be disrupted by the arrival of a criminal at the back of the plane accompanied by a number of police men. Throughout the flight this person was crying and screaming about his deportation back to Cuba and made our flight experience even more intolerable. The flight attendants then arrived with a set of headphones asking for 6$USD to watch some movies on an old screen placed about 8m away - no thanks. We were pleasantly surprised that we did not have to pay for the food - if given the choice we would not have paid for it. After a very enjoyable stay in Cuba, we decided to arrive at the Havana airport on 31 July at 17.30 for the 20.30 flight back to Amsterdam (MP0620) in order to try and get better seats. The check-in lady said she had put us in good seats on the return trip. I assume she has never had the unpleasant experience of travelling on a Martinair flight because when we arrived on the plane we were place in seats 20A and 20B. Both were next to the toilet; and we could not tilt our seats back as there were against the toilet wall. The seat space becomes even less when the passengers in front tilt back their seats. Astonished that the plane was leaving on time due to no technical problems we prepared ourselves for a long night in an upright position. Incidentally, there were no other seats available according to the flight attendants as the plane was full. About 30 minutes after take-off the smell from the toilets became unbearable. There were 3 toilets next to our seats in the middle of the plane. We noticed that there was a small sign on two of the toilets saying that they were not working. Other passengers had not noticed these signs and unfortunately continued to use them. From the smell it was obvious that people were depositing more than just liquid but could not flush it away. We contacted the flight attendants. They finally locked the doors from the outside. There was then some panic in the plane as there was also toilets out-of order at the back of the plane. Throughout the entire night there was a long queue for the working toilet behind 20B. We had people standing/sitting alongside our seats throughout the flight. There was little chance of getting any sleep on the flight anyway as the light on seat 20A was faulty and kept switching itself on and off. Fortunately, we managed to get some sleep on the much more spacious seating on the KLM flight back to Arlanda from Amsterdam. At Arlanda, we waited for our luggage but it never arrived.

Martinair - by Hans Scholten

23 July 2003

Booked a holiday package so had to fly Martinair again. Route AMS - Bodrum. Tip - booked for Economy class, checked if there where 'Big Seats' available for the flight. (Big Seat's is a new product on select MP charter flight's - they offer the Star Class seats plus priority boarding and priority baggage handling for a nominal fee (30 euro) Seating beats economy pitch by 2 inches - overall cabin service is fine, but please clean the plane before letting the next passengers board the plane - so the new passengers may sit in clean seats!

Martinair - by Hans Scholten

28 April 2003

I flew AMS-CUN in Martinair Star Class - a disapointment. Check-in normal for business, Star Class passengers may use the KLM Business Lounge at Schiphol Airport; always over-crowded and just a small piece of Dutch cheese to eat -poor! At the gate you have to stand in line for approx. 30 minutes before you can go on the plane. Eventually when you board the plane and you think, isn't Business Class always located in the front section of the plane - it is but it looks as normal economy! Seats are somewhat bigger but not really more leg space at all. You've got a footrest but you just can't use it because otherwise you will end-up with your knees in your ears. No individual tv screen just 2 normal sized tv screens above the row. Quality of films normal but the tv onboard was not really of good quality, lousy colour. Meals are really the same as economy only you can choose. Courses not served one at a time but entree together with main course (cabin staff leaves the main course in a small plastic container with the aluminum foil still on). Cabin staff is friendly but not dedicated to give extra Star Class service. Cabin was extremely hot, asked for a small glass of water, got it in a plastic cup with the remark "You can drink it from a plastic cup just like the people in the back of the plane". Will not fly Martinair again. It is cheaper but I would rather pay more, than be irritated and disappointed for 9 to 10 hours!

Martinair - by R M McWhirter

14 April 2003

Flew Martinair Star class Amsterdam to Orlando on 19 Feb. Leg room inadequate, seats large but bad design and uncomfortable on long haul. Food and service was good. Entertainment and video viewing charter airline economy standard. Flew back on 10th April. Seating inadequate for overnight flight fortunately 90 mins shorter. Food poor. This is not Business Class and poor value even at the price paid. Will not use again

Martinair - by Bram Wouters

19 February 2003

I flew Martinair from Amsterdam to Havana in star class ( business class) on 18/01/2003.It was the worst flight in my life. The seat was like an economy class with 10 cm more leg space. my entertainment radio was broken down. My table was dirty. The service was like standard with only one glass of champagne and one choice of meal. The return flight had a delay of 6h30 without a hotel - only a very small lounge without food.

Martinair - by Leslie Simon

04 September 2002

I flew Martinair from Amsterdam to Orlando. The staff were pleasant and attentive even though the outward flight was full. They don't have individual screens but for the price I paid I wouldn't expect them. The return flight was delayed and nearly empty. My only criticism is that the seats are badly designed. The armrests on our plane were fixed and very wide. Some passengers had entire rows to themselves but they couldn't sleep across because they couldn't lift the armrests! I felt sorry for a Dutch passenger who looked over 6'5" - he had 3 seats to himself but coudn't get comfortable. The seat pitch was bigger than BA's. I would fly with them again as they are good value for money but I hope they'll redesign the economy cabin. They have another cabin onboard with the same seats but a slightly bigger pitch and a better service (still no individual screens though).

Martinair - by Asitha Rodrigo

29 August 2002

I flew Martinair from Amsterdam to Sri Lanka, as my usual choice of SriLankan Airlines was fully booked. It was not a pleasant experience. The seats were cramped, and the food was appalling. Added to which, there was a 5 hour delay at Schiphol as they had a technical problem with their plane and it was stuck in Turkey. To make matters worse, it was no cheaper than my first choice! Never again.

Martinair - by Alex Waning

16 July 2002

Never flew a better company. Service okay, staff perfect and friendly. Leg space not less than other airlines! The food was of a standard you might expect when you use a low fare airline, but overall it was good and enough! Drinks, newspapers, entertainment also enough. I flew with LH, KLM, Delta and AF recently, but found Martinair better then all of the others!

Martinair - by Geoff Lakin

26 May 2002

My wife and I recently (3.5.02) flew Business Class with Martinair from Amsterdam to Florida and found the seating to be barely adequate for the fare paid. Although the cabin staff were polite and pleasant, the food offered did not live up to the exciting description found in the menu. Poor entertainment and cramped conditions. We flew back from the USA from Orlando to Amsterdam with Martinair on 16.5.02 (overnight) and found the cabin accommodation to be no better - and the food even more disappointing, the cabin staff being merely polite on this occasion. The onboard entertainment was worse. A first and last time of using Martinair by us.