Air Mauritius by Jayne Mills

7 October  2005 

I was dreading the journey but the staff were charming, seats were fine though a little cramped. Food was delicious and the IFE was interesting and well presented.

Air Mauritius by Mark Saxton

23 September 2005 

We flew business class on Air Mauritius from LHR returning this week. Never again. Terrible seats, unhelpful staff, ordinary uninspiring food and IFE was awful ( where do they get these films from?). The toilets by the end of the flight were, to put it mildly, disgusting. After a week of fantastic comfort and service at our hotel we were less than impressed. I assume its a nationalised airline because the crew could not give a damn.

Air Mauritius by C Coombs

22 September 2005 

I have recently returned from two weeks in Mauritius, flying economy class with Air Mauritius. I have to admit that after reading the opinions below, I was very hesitant at flying with them. However, I was pleasantly surprised. We were not delayed more than 15 minutes on any flight, the food was of a good standard and I certainly didn't find the staff to be of a rude nature as stated in other reviews. There was also noticeably more legroom on the Airbus. Inflight entertainment could be improved by a choice of more movies. I think the other contributors to this website were unlucky with their flights.

Air Mauritius by Martin Brown

17 August 2005 

I was forced to use Air Mautirius to return to the UK after the BA strike. The food was good, hot and tasty with traditional Mauritian. The flight was 12 hours from MRU to LHR and 2 hot meals were served, in addition to sandwiches and drinks between meals during the flight. IFE was pretty good with (pretty much standard) screens in the headrests. The seats were a little hard, but had more legroom than standard and had foot rests for the shorter person. The wings on the headrest were not adjustable. Socks and eyeshades given out - blankets were a little on the small side. Flight attendants friendly enough and spoke good English.

Air Mauritius by Frank Smith

2 August 2005 

I have nothing but compliments on the service on board. Great Mauritian food The negative with MK is a truly frustrating web site and reservation system that has a penchant for dumping valid reservations.

Air Mauritius by Carl Erik Larsen

15 June 2005 

Air Mauritius from Paris on June 2nd and to London on Jun 9th. Both flights were on time. In flight entertainment was ok. Food was quite good. Cabin Crew helpful, polite and with a smile on their faces.

Air Mauritius by Damian Moran

23 May 2005 

A party of 20 family and friends travelled to Mauritius earlier this month on 3 separate flights. All were delayed between 3 - 12 hours. Technical faults were blamed in each case; talking to other travellers in Mauritius who had travelled with the same airline this turned out to be a common theme. If the planes suffer that many 'faults' then the aviation authorities should be involved. Much more likely is that they don't have enough passengers booked and so cancel flights to make subsequent flights more worthwhile financially at enormous inconvenience to passengers. When it came to the in-flight meal, our seats were 5 rows from the back (where the food comes out) and they had already run out of chicken, the only option being fish. Very annoying to find this out at 30,000 feet - I would recommend bringing your own sandwiches. We found the staff quite rude and unhelpful. It seemed to be a great inconvenience to them if you interrupted their conversation to ask for a glass of water. They also ignored the passenger seat call button (which is why I had to interrupt their conversation). They were unhelpful to a friend who asked to store her baby's milk bottle in the fridge saying there would not be space even though she hadn't checked and the main meal had been served. On being pushed to check, the stewardess found there was space. My wife had boiling coffee spilt down her arm by a different but equally unhelpful stewardess who neglected to either apologise or clear up the mess that she created. Out seats were dispersed throughout the cabin so I don't think they took a dislike to our group, I just think the cabin staff are genuinely unhelpful. The people of Mauritius are very friendly and sociable so I have no idea where the airline managed to find the staff that make up the cabin crew - they were truly awful. I would have to be really stuck to fly with them again.

Air Mauritius by Simon Lawrence

8 April 2005 

We flew out for an Easter break on Mauritius on 26th March - returning on 6th April. I'd read the comments on this site before flying - so wasn't really surprised to be advised of 2 hour delay from Heathrow. I prefer Airbus to Boeing, but seats were very uncomfortable. I found the cabin crew helpful and polite. The food was OK, but the food pre ordered for our kids wasn't really 'child friendly'. No problem with getting beverages at all - and in fight entertainment was fine. For the return flight, I was amazed that we'd boarded the plane on time and taxied out for take off. However, alarmingly the take off was aborted after the engines were put on full thrust and some kind of technical problem was identified. We sat in the plane on the apron for 2 hours, to be disembarked for a further 2 hours while an alternative plane was prepared. Once away the flight etc was pretty much a repeat of the outbound. Given an alternative (BA) I wouldn't fly Air Mauritius again - they are a very small airline and just don't inspire me with much confidence.

Air Mauritius by Bernard Feissat

30 January 2005 

Flying back home from Mauritius to Paris on Jan 29th 2005. My wife and I traveled business; Nice and helpful staff at check-in; nice quiet lounge for business class passengers, lots of tasty snacks and drinks, flight on time; nice staff on board or should I say they were not unpleasant; poor IFE programme and brochure was not available on our seats. I requested one from a stewardess, but I'm still waiting for it. Food attractive and tasty with sufficient choice for dinner; full breakfast, one of the best I ever had on a business class flight with choice of hot dish + yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruits, bread and rolls and strong flavoured tea. But a bad flight because of the uncomfortable business class seat. I like the A340 because it . has quieter engines than 747s, but the Air Mauritius cabin amenities did not satisfy us. Business class cabin is very small and the 28 seats seem really crammed; leather covered in nice grey colour, but the seat itself is uncomfortable and makes you feel you are seated on stones - the back doesn't lean back very far; and anyhow, you feel trapped whenever passenger in front you leans back! No legrest; there is a foot rest attached to the seat in front of you but you can't find a really relaxing position and your legs are always uncomfortable - moreover the seat itself is very narrow. The people in Mauritius are very nice friendly and caring for customers in general, we did not find this atmosphere with the airline crew.

Air Mauritius by Barry Wilton

31 October 2004 

A party of 6 flew Business Class from London to Mauritius. I have used T3 at Heathrow several times and rate it the worst of of the four terminals. However, check-in was quick and smooth at the Air Canada desk and the lounge facilities compared well with other equivalents in Europe/Far East. We were airborne only 20 minutes later than scheduled, and arrived 10 minutes early after an uneventful evening/overnight flight. The cabin staff were helpful and friendly and quality of food/drink was fine and comparable with anything I have experienced flying long haul in business class. The return daytime flight was the same experience, both in the lounge and during the 12 hr flight. Two minor criticisms - 1) the banning of use of portable CD players onboard at all times and use of laptops, subject to the captain's permission, seems out of sync with the rest of airline industry operating procedures. 2) for the three main meals served during the two flights, several passengers had a restricted choice. Business class seats total 28, so taking onboard an extra couple of helpings wouldn't ruin operating margins.

Air Mauritius by Moya Burgess

24 September 2004 

Annette Smithson I'm with you. The whole experience of Air Mauritius is one not to be repeated. Seats that make you feel like you've been kicked in the pants for up to three days afterwards, food acceptable, cabin crew that do not make eye contact or smile even when you step aside for them to pass. Ask for more than one beverage, I only wanted orange juice, and made to feel like a complete nuisance. That was just the outward flight from LHR. Add to that arriving at the airport for the return flight to be told that it is overbooked and that the next one is a mere 12 hours later. (Saturday 18th. September 2004). We won't be visiting Mauritius again until they can sort out the chaos of the national airline and airport.

Air Mauritius by M Hood

24 September 2004 

First experience with Air Mauritius. South Africa, JNB to Mauritius in Economy. Late night flight quite empty. 3.5 hour flight. Supper edible and room to lay across 3 seats ( lucky! ) . Return flight due to leave at 9am , I arrived at 7am to be told plane is leaving at 3pm. I had to wait in terminal all day. Most ( all ) other pax were called at their hotels the night before. When I asked why I was not, the ground staff said it was purely bad luck. No empathy was given . So I was the 1st to check in and still they managed to give me the last seat at the back with limited recline on the window which I hate! Ground staff had no care attitude. Crew on board all very nice. Return flight from JNB to Sydney was with Qantas and its only then when you realize why Air Mauritius is a low standard airline. Qantas are definitly a 5 star service airline even in economy.

Air Mauritius by Mohsin Jiwa

12 September 2004 

Econony flight from Frankfurt to Mauritius with Airbus A340-300 Take off around 20:00 On Time Arrival Time around 09:00 next day on time. A Family of 4, 2 Adults and 2 Children. The Aircraft was clean and the staff was efficient. Food was very tasty and enough to satisfy us and the drinks were served freely. This was the beginning of our this years summer vacation. Soon after we boarded the immigration forms were handed out so we had all the time in the world to fill them out till we reached MRU. Something that I appreciated. Aircraft was fitted with Inseat Video and the footrest were in the Economy Class-bravo. Although I did not make use of the inseat video I guess there were quite a number of programms including one or two indian movies. After fillng up the Immigration forms and enjoying the meal all in china annd silver and soft drinks i laid to rest and woke up in time for the breakfast of warm rolls and clod plate with fruit and yoghurt and orange juice and a nice cup of tea, we landed in Mauritius to spend one of the best vacation of our lives. Mauritians on the flight were friendly and the Mauritians on the island were very friendly. The Island is a very pleasant place to be and very safe. If this was a coincident then the next flight was from MRU to Antananrivo on the 30 July which proved the same feeling that we had on the longhaul flight. Short flight immigration form straight after take off and a pleasant meal served by the friendly staff. If this was a coincident then we were on the return flight from TNR to MRU on 13 August and still the service was the same Good and friendly. And finally the next day a short haul to St Denis was about 30 minutes. I would travel with MK if I have to.

Air Mauritius by Annette Smithson

8 September 2004 

All I can say about flying with Air Mauritius is never never again. They must have the most uncomfortable seats going, very poor food, and I know nobody with any sense drinks too many beverages on a long haul flight, but I would have thought that most adults can handle wine with their meal! (If only to disguise the taste of the "chicken") after only being served one beverage. I couldn't believe on our return flight from Mauritius to Heathrow that the Cabin Crew were from the same country that we had left - had they never heard of smiling or being polite - not very good ambassadors for their Country and National Airline. If we are fortunate to return to Mauritius, it will be with Emirates or British Airways even.

Air Mauritius by Dirk Gastmans

27 July 2004 

I have flown Air Mauritius a couple of times now. Either out of Chennai or Mumbai (India). And once flew with them to Europe from Mauritius. As they have a seat sharing arrangement with Air India there is always a problem with overbooking and the check in counter always has a bunch of very angry waitlisted passengers. Whenever I tried to reschedule my flights I was send back and forth between Air India and Air Mauritius, neither of them capable of "finding me in their computer systems". The ground staff are unfriendly and unhelpful. Not one of the flights I was on departed on time. But the worst of all are the aircraft, there's inevitably a technical snag before every departure. I never felt totally at ease on their flights. If you can avoid flying them then do so. And I agree with Mr. Jean-Noel Bajeet that the crew have a definite bad attitude towards their fellow country men. As a European I felt at times uncomfortable with the preferential treatment I was given. Air Mauritius needs to improve!

Air Mauritius by Jean- Noel Bajeet

16 July 2004 

Air Mauritius is and will only be average as an airline. Some of our stewards/hostesses bear all the symptoms of neo-colonisation, look at the way they treat fellow Mauritians, while some others believe that they are the elite of the Mauritian society, pruned out to carry out that highly commendable task of being a steward/hostess and that each time they walk out of their Air Mauritius van, they are out to make history. The day they realise this, things will get better because they will give a more adequate, rational and objective service to ALL customers It's also a pain to go back home with the four cards you have to fill in. Everywhere else in the world, it is easier for the locals to enter their homeland. Let's remind ourselves that it is the only country requesting its citizens to fill in an arrival card (asking you stupid questions like what is the purpose of your stay ? - Hello, I'm Mauritian !) I personally, prefer to travel on a foreign airline - I'm treated like an equal human being, get more respect and a better service!!

Air Mauritius by Salonee Sebaruth

3 April 2004 

I have travelled Air Mauritius 8 times from Melbourne to Mauritius, if I had a choice I would never have travelled Air Mauritius. Unfortunately Air Mauritius is the only airline serving this route. The staff were very arrogant and rude. The food was appalling, not to mention the wine which was undrinkable. All these come down to management and training.

Air Mauritius by John Skelton

22 March 2004 

My wife and I flew Air Mauritius from Bombay to Mauritius and back, Business Class. Service was good, but not great. Food was of average quality. Seats did not have personal entertainment systems. The leg room was fair. The flights were on time - more or less - but I heard from our hosts in Air Mauritius that flights are frequently delayed.

Air Mauritius by Elaine Murphy

19 March 2004 

We returned from Mauritius on flight MK042, due to depart at 22.15 hrs on 13 March 2004. We were in our seats on time, but sat in appalling heat for 30 minutes whilst a "technical problem" was dealt with. We eventually took off at 22.45 hrs. My husband, who has a heart condition, was on the point of collapse from the heat. We had been in the air only 5-6 minutes when I noticed that we had turned around and were descending. It was then announced that due to a technical problem we would be returning to Mauritius airport. We eventually landed on the perimeter of the airfield, (we heard later that the fuel had been jettisoned), and were attended by fire engines along the right hand side of the plane. No explanation was given other than that we would have to wait to be towed into a bay. We eventually arrived back in the terminus at 01.15 hrs, very hot and distressed, to be told that we would be flying at 03.15 hrs. This time was later changed to 04.15 hrs. We were told during this hour that we would be travelling on the same plane, which caused a great deal of concern, as we had heard that there had been a fire in one of the engines. We spoke to the airport manager who, through a third English-speaking person, advised us that there had been a warning light to indicate a fire in the cargo hold, but no fire had been found and that the aircraft was completely safe. We reluctantly re-boarded and were in our seats for a 04.15 hrs take off. Thirty minutes later - still sitting on the tarmac - we heard loud banging underneath the plane and upon enquiring, were told that the cargo was being loaded. By this time the temperature in the cabin was hotter than was tolerable and completely airless. I had already requested some ice for my husband, who was feeling quite ill, but at no time did a member of the crew show any concern for him. Babies and children were crying, but the cabin crew remained at the back of the plane and out of site. After fifty minutes, following a request for a doctor onboard for a passenger who had been taken ill, several of us went to them and complained of the intolerable conditions -they then brought around half- filled glasses of lukewarm water. We eventually took off one hour and five minutes after boarding the plane. We were not kept informed of events and the crew throughout the whole flight were unfriendly and unhelpful. If I fly again after this experience it will certainly not be with Air Mauritius - a terrible ending to what had been a wonderful holiday at the highly recommended Maritim Hotel.

Air Mauritius by Stella Lutchanah

14 March 2004 

My last flight on Air Mauritius was not up to its usual high standard. My outward flight from Mauritius was a day flight - when I had requested a night flight, on my return the flight was delayed for 24 hours and no compensation offered. The person informing me was abrupt and gave no reason for the delay. I have used Air Mauritius for a number of years and recently registered as a Kesterl Flyer as I thought I would use Air Mauritius regularly now I have settled in Mauritius - but if last September/October flights are what I can expect I think I will reconsider my options.

Air Mauritius by A Luchmun

18 February 2004 

I admit Air Mauritius is sometimes delayed and lousy. I find as a British born Mauritian, MK is better than BA and AF. I used to fly from London via Paris with AF to Mauritius many times, and find AF is just getting worse. AF cabin crew have no manners at all. A direct flight with Air Mauritius is better - MK isn't that bad. I agree however  about the shopping and the lousy AC staff at LHR.  We can't compare European carriers to Air Mauritius - it does it's best.

Air Mauritius by Christian Chaperon

6 February 2004 

Over the past 15 years or more we have travelled Air Mauritius many times -service is second to none. The FA's did not be as well groomed as say Singapore Airlines FA's. However their charm and approach and smiles more than made up for it. The downside to the airline is that the crew seems too nice or shy to stop Mauritians shopping - boarding with well over the normal quotas in size and weight allowed on board. The result is a fight for luggage space, or extra luggage placed inbetween seats which means that every time the character wants to get out of the seat he/she hangs on to the seat in front and shakes the hell out of the poor person trying to rest. And when its time to alight the aircraft watch out when the shoppers takes their prizes out of the above luggage compartment - my wife ended up with a bag full of shopping on her head. One would tend to believe from watching that kind of behaviour that there are no shops in Mauritius. Yet in Mauritius, one can found anything one can think of in any line imaginable. Hence apart from those eager shoppers not being disciplined properly, the Airline would be one of the best to travel on.

Air Mauritius by Bibi Maudarbocus

25  January 2004 

We travel to Mauritius very often, and always by Air Mauritius. The crew members are always very helpful, polite and courteous. The last time I travel with my 9 months old baby, the number of times the crew members asked you "If you need anything for the baby". It is unbelievable. I always warm milk and food for my son. They do all they can to help you and make you feel at ease. I always travel economy class, and I have always had a great service, good food, and most of all -polite and courteous staff. The plane is always spotless, and the toilet facilities are always clean. The baby changing facilities are great, and the gifts for the baby as well.

Air Mauritius by Michael Head

9  January 2004 

I had the absolute misfortune of flying Air Mauritius (economy). Upon check in at LHR T3 I requested window seats for my partner and myself and was told, by the nothing but arrogant Air Canada check in girl, that the plane was full and to check at the gate for seat changes. Upon arrival at the gate, I asked a polite boarding supervisor if I could change seats. He obliged and gave us the exit seats, to our obvious delight. Once on the flight, I was dismayed to note, it was only 1/2 full, so much for the arrogant check in girl!!! Within an hour and a half of take off, the meal had been served, at the same time as the drinks, cleared away and we were more or less told to shut up and sleep. If we wanted anything, we had to go to the back of the plane and get it ourselves. HOWEVER! this was excellent service compared to the return journey! MK042 06.12.03. Supposedly dep. Mauritius 22.15 06.12.03 finally got off the ground 15.00 07.12.03. Some technical fault with the plane! I observe the comings and goings of planes at LHR, not a plane spotter though! and notice a trend with this airline, often over 12 hours delayed! Therefore I was not that surprised! What I was aghast at was the total uselessness of the ground staff at MRU airport. To say they were disorganised, rude and totally inefficient is a complement! It took 5 hours to get everyone to hotels, we had stayed at the Maritim, excellent hotel, can't recommend it enough, but were shoved into some, what can only be described as a self catering hole, at 3am, exhausted and frustrated! At 9am we were fed breakfast of dry bread, no water or juice, we had to pay for those! We were then ferried back to the airport to board at 13.00. It then took 5 attempts by the same incompetent ground staff to realise that they could not count the passengers on board which delayed the flight some 90 minutes further!! Finally, at 1500 we got off the ground, to much applause, only to be faced with the same dreadful service we had been subjected to on the outbound journey. I do not recommend British Airways at all, but compared to this Airline, they are wonderful, even with the attitude from their staff and the way they look down their noses at economy class passengers. My advice - find an alternative route to this wonderful island, avoiding Air Mauritius like the plague! 

Air Mauritius by Peter Canondale

8  January 2004 

Air Mauritius from Cape Town to Mauritius and back this past Dec 2003 with our two month old daughter. The airline provided a bassinet and baby kit even on the A319 and the service both directions was efficient and good. The aircraft was new and spotlessly clean. Economy class is a bit cramped on the A319 for a 5 hour nonstop ocean flight but the food is plentiful and decent. This is the second time we have flown Air Mauritius this year and I feel the Airline is definitely a 4 star airline

Air Mauritius .v. Air France by Rohith Jayawardene

1 May 2003 

Paris to Mauritius with Air Mauritius and return with Air France in April 2003, both in Business Class. As the airlines share the route, I was expecting an equally good service from both airlines. Problem is, what is good with Air Mauritius is poor with Air France and vice versa. Air Mauritus - Business Class cabin was full and cramped - 43 inch seat pitch,  not sure if correct. It felt more like premium Economy seating. Once the person in front reclined their seat, you were squeezed into a very small space. On the plus side, cabin crew were very friendly, chatting to you and checking all was satisfactory. There was a queue for the toilets and after 15 minutes the FA realised the toilet door lock was not functioning properly!. But their friendly attitude more than compensated for a couple of passengers who were just too arrogant. The food was okay but nothing special. The inflight entertainment was excellent with a choice of music and movies. Return flight with Air France - more space in Business Class cabin - the few extra inches space compared with Air Mauritius made a huge difference. Very comfortable seating.  Food and wines excellent. But the attendant could not fix a cocktail - a Manhattan, even though liquors were on the list. The cabin staff service very 'clinical' and lacked any personal touch at all. Reminded me of British Airways or British Rail! Once meals were served and done with, there was no sight of cabin staff. There was a gap on 7 hours before the next meal was served, and my fellow passenger and I were starving! There was no offer of any refreshment in between. There was supposed to be an open bar throughout the flight, but no evidence of  it. Air France equals comfortable flight, but lousy service. Air Mauritius equals uncomfortable flight, but great service!

Air Mauritius - by S Kurimbux

24 April 2003

Like H Copely, seem to have a great contrast in opinion to other people who have made a comment about Air Mauritius. I found the service was excellent (Heathrow-Mauritius), and meals served were delicious. The cabin crew were warm and friendly, and carried out their duties to the best of standards. I have flown by the airline five times, and will continue to do so in the future.

Air Mauritius - by H Copely

23 January 2003

I found Air Mauritius to be a great airline. I read comments by others and feel a contrast in my opinion. I must admit seats were very uncomfortable but the food was delicious - and we were kept amused by the latest movies and music. Cabin Crew were very polite and friendly.

Air Mauritius - by Anthony Vanherpe

07 November 2002

We are just back from our trip to Mauritius. We traveled in business class (dep Paris). It is a shame that a high class destination as Mauritius has such a poor business class. That class can be compared with an upgraded economy. Service is very poor, food is nothing more than standard and above all the seats (and space) can be compared with short haul business. For us overall score for Air Mauritius = two stars.