Meridiana review - by Peter Newman
18 November 2006

Gatwick to Florence recently, and we were surprised how much the service levels have sunk since our last flight around 12 months ago. We travelled business class, but I really do not know why we bothered. The journey started well; check in was efficient, and there was no delays in security, The flight was called on time, but once at the gate we were left waiting for around 30 minutes, without any announcement being made. When eventually they did call passengers forward there was no effort to board business-class first, or even passengers with children or who were infirm. Once aboard the aircraft another 20 minute wait ensued, without any announcements, and there were also no drinks offered. The aircraft eventually departed LGW 1 hour late. arriving in Florence 50 minutes late. The Cabin Crew were one of the worst I have ever flown with in over 45 years of flying; for the first hour into the flight they did not venture from behind their galley curtain although a lot of laughter and chatter could be heard from that location. When they did appear it was to serve a meal and disappear again behind their curtain. There was no choice, it was lukewarm, no offer of tea or coffee No tax-free goods were offered. On the return flight there was no seperate check-in desk for business-class passengers, and when we enquired where the lounge was we were told that it was after security. Having cleared security we could not find it , and upon enquiring we were advised that it was in fact the other side of security and we would have to go back if we wanted to use it. Needless to say we could not be bothered with all of the hassle. Once again there was no effort to board the infirm, or passengers with young children or business class passengers first. The flight back was much better, the crew attentive, meal acceptable and the timekeeping good. The only point that I would raise is that our luggage was virtually the last to arrive on the carousel, which is not what is expected when you pay the exorbitant business class fare. In conclusion it would seem that Meridiana are not the least bit interested in their business class passengers and view them as a nuisance which has to be tolerated. As far as I am concerned they need not worry, as I will use alternative carriers in future

Meridiana review - by David Walker
15 November 2006

What can I say but agree with most of the comments flight was delayed for 2.5 hours by bad weather - but there was none. The inflight service is expensive and rubbish. At least the flight home was only 20 mins late setting out. But as the first flight of the day you can guess how late the last one was going to be.

Meridiana review - by S Hawkins
27 October 2006

Why do any of us ever fly with this airline? 16th October. Uusal story. At Gatwick check in we ask if plane is on time. When told yes, we check in. Once in the departures lounge we see on the screen that the flight has beeen cancelled. We are told by a harrassed handling agent that the plane has been diverted to Stanstead, due to lack of fog landing instruments in Meridiana planes. No representatative from Meridiana turned up for 2 1/2 hours. This meant that all the people who were trying to offload and book onto other morning flights to italy were too late to do so. 50 passengers were finally booked onto the afternnon flight and the rest had to wait for the evening flight. No appology, no compensation, no complaints forms, no cup of coffee! So nothing ever changes at Meridiana.

Meridiana review - by Sandie Reed
27 October 2006

The transfer rep from our travel agency seemed very surprised that the outward flight from Gatwick was punctual. The return trip from Florence on 21/10/06 was a nightmare. We were badly delayed and got all sorts of misinformation. Firstly we were told that the flight had been diverted to Bologna because of bad weather at Florence – the only delays at Florence were all Meridiana ones. We were then told that the plane was diverted to 2 separate airports in Sardinia. Our luggage was checked in and then given back to us to trundle around for a couple of hours – there is very little seating on the check-in side. We were concerned because we had an onward flight to make from Gatwick. We had allowed several hours for this connection. The check-in guy tried to be as helpful as he could, but he was relying on misinformation, too. Once past security here was no information other than constantly changing and contradictory timings on the screen. There was no Meridiana rep (one passenger was allowed back through security to glean some info) and certainly no refreshment vouchers available. Once on the plane (nasty, noisy and very scary takeoff) there wasn’t even a free refreshment after all that wait and certainly no apology until nearing Gatwick. A small cup of vaguely tepid water was available – no seconds for the thirsty. Given its reputation for operational problems I am very surprised that my travel agent used this unpleasant airline. The severe lateness of the flight meant that we missed the last flight to Newcastle and had to spend all night at Gatwick listening to MacDonalds playing trashy music in the distance. Why Meridian gets 3 stars in your rating is beyond me. If you are thinking of having an Italian holiday, give Meridiana a very wide berth unless you enjoy tatty aircraft, churlish cabin crew and a limited range of overpriced junky snacks combined with operational delays.

Meridiana review - by Joop Kolkman
27 October 2006

Amsterdam to Florence by Meridiana. Both times there were no delays caused by Meridiana (delay due to congestion on Schiphol is not the fault of Meridiana). Some planes look a little bit outdated but the maintenance looks good and you have more room for your legs than e.g. in Transavia planes. The service is what you can expect from a low cost carrier. When you pay € 230 for an in- and outbound flight you can not expect the same quality as from KLM. Next time I visit Italy there is no reason to choose not for Meridiana

Meridiana review - by David Butler
22 October 2006

My wife and I recently travelled to Florence and back with this airline. We were very impressed with the service, the flight crew were attentive and courteous. The pitch of seats was such that we were not cramped like travelling with budget airlines. The flights left on time and were punctual on arrival at Florence and London Gatwick.

Meridiana review - by Tom Grooms
15 October 2006

Would agree wholeheartedly with Ms. Scase. Our flight from Gatwick to Florence was on September 23, 2006. Boarding the plane is a cattle call and after we got on there was a 2 hour and 45 minute delay before we took off. We were told it was a computer problem. This made us late into Florence and our rental car agency closed, so we had to rent another car for one day at great expense. The sad thing about it is that we were booked on this airline by a travel agent who should have known better. You make a great mistake if you fly on this airline!

Meridiana review - by Susan Scase
25 September 2006

An appalling experience. Do not use this airline unless you absolutely have to. On the way out to Florence a 40 minute delay - not so bad - but, on the way back, three gruelling hours spent in Florence airport with minimal information - 'delay caused by delay to incoming plane and technical difficulties'. They must have known when we arrived at the airport that we would be seriously delayed yet everything appeared on screen in half hour steps, ever-increasing until the three hours hit the mark. We were luckier than others. Some of their passengers to other destinations had their flight cancelled - just like that. After two hours tokens for snacks were offered. It was all a bit haphazard. Some of us got them and others, even after remonstrations with staff, did not. Eventually we were called 'to gate' and waited again endlessly in the holding area. At last we boarded the bus and waited yet again. At last we were on the aircraft and the flight took off with a glib apology from the crew. The least they could have offered was free food on board but no.

Meridiana review - by Eric Kirkpatrick
6 September 2006

LGW to FLR and return over a long weekend in mid-August. Airbus A319 clean and with reasonable seat pitch. No IFE but not a problem on a 2-hour flight. When I asked a Flight Attendant for a cup of coffee she refused, saying that the FAs were on strike over a dispute about new contracts! On arrival at FLR baggage appeared on carousel within about 6 minutes of entry to terminal building - faster than anything I have ever seen at LGW or LHR. Return flight departed about 35 minutes late. Pilot apologised and explained that original aircraft had developed a fault and this was a replacement. Further apology for delay on arrival at LGW. On this journey the FAs disappeared at start of flight and were not see again until landing at LGW - no doubt continuing their strike. Would fly this airline again but make my own catering arrangements, BAA security permitting.

Meridiana review - by Anne Dewar
3 August 2006

We had a flight from Gatwick to Florence which was very good, in time & most enjoyable. However on our return Florence to Gatwick we had an absolutely appalling experience. Queues at the check in desk were long and slow so that not one of our party of 6 could not be sat next to any other in the party including 2 children under 5 years. The check in desk assured us that we would be rearranged on board. Not so - the purser who was, to say the least antagonistic and hostile, told us it was not his duty, took my son in law to the Captain who sorted out the situation.

Meridiana review - by Ray O'Callaghan
3 August 2006

My wife and I flew with this airline Gatwick Florence return Jully 2006. Late departure with no explanation. Nil service on the flight. Baggage took forever to be unloaded. The rental car office Thrifty/Dollar at Florence airport made a charge of 40+ Euros for late pickup, because of the late aircraft arrival. The rental car office told us the airline is always late. On the return late again for departure, passengers herded into a bus on the tarmac which was then left sitting in high temperatures. Again no in flight service at all. Only other airlines I have travelled that are as poor Mongolian and Olympus. A oncer, If you need to get to Florence, go to Pisa then train /bus/car.

Meridiana review - by Fiona Miller
24 July 2006

I have flown numerous times with Meridiana, mainly because it is the only airline operating a direct flight between Florence and London Gatwick. Many people here (I live near Florence) call it "the unreliable airline"!! Initially Meridiana served food and beverages free of charge (this was still the case when I flew with them in Dec 05) - now the policy has changed and all food and drinks have to be paid for - although wine and sprits are now available if required. However, I have rarely experienced a flight that was on time. Last year one of my flights was cancelled altogether, apparently due to "adverse weather conditions" (though most passengers were most confused by this since we had heard nothing of bad weather and certainly in Italy it was a glorious day!) After 8 hours of waiting, we were finally told it was cancelled and my partner had to fetch me from Florence. I returned the next day to take another flight.... just a small inconvenience since I was only going for 4 days to the UK and lost an entire day due to the cancellation! The last time I flew with Merid was at the beginning of this month, July 2006 - the outbound flight was delayed by only 1.5 hours. The return flight was cancelled altogether due (apparently) to strike action! We were initially told that the flight was being diverted to Pisa and would leave four hours late. Pisa is much further for my friends to collect me, but I organised it, and they were prepared to wait up. I hung around the airport for hours and no announcements were ever made. Finally I decided to go back to the Meridian desk at around 11pm - it was closed and so was the information desk at that time of night! Finally I decided to go through passport control and saw a bunch of irate people (I still believe there is no point in getting so irate - we are talking about Meridiana here!) and they told me the flight had been cancelled and we would all be staying at the Gatwick Hilton. I informed my friends back home and apologised they had been waiting up all night to collect me from Pisa! But I was glad to have a comfortable hotel room and some free food vouchers at least. Next morning the flight (NOT a Meridiana flight but Titan Airways) left on time and the staff were wonderful! Much more polite than I had ever experienced with Meridiana. Oh, and a pal visited me in June this year and also had delays both ways with Meridiana. She wanted to return this month for just 3 days but is now reluctant to do so in case the flight is cancelled and she wastes a whole day! Have to say, if there was another option of flying directly between Florence and Gatwick, I would be the first to take it! Meridiana is just a little too unreliable!

Meridiana review - by M Blicher
18 July 2006

I was a bit hesitant about my upcoming flights from London to Florence and back. However, it turned out both my flights left on time and arrived on time and there were no negative issues regarding any aspects of either flight. The attendants were courteous and food and beverages were sold on both flights. Given the price and the availability of direct flights to and from certain destinations, I would travel with them again.

Meridiana review - by Anne Tomsett
12 June 2006

Travelled with Meridiana to Florence in June this year. We found the airline staff helpful and friendly. The plane took off on time and same on our return. We would certainly travel with them again.

Meridiana review - by Kevin Maycroft
10 June 2006

I recently flew Meridiana to Florence. The outbound flight was an hour and a half late (common with this airline). The flight was busy so my partner and I were sat across the aisle from each other, but that was OK. Then a stewardess asked my partner to move seats as there was a broken seat behind and they were reorganising people. They offered a seat with the flight crew at the back of the plane! We refused to move. Then I tried to buy a sandwich - they had none! All they had was peanuts. They did, however, sell wine and beer, contrary to previous comments. For the return flight, we arrived at Florence airport almost 2 hours before departure and were greeted with long queues. On arriving at the desk we were told that there was too much weight now on the plane and that we would be issued with standby tickets, along with approximately 30 other passengers! We were later told that alternative plans to get us back to the UK may have to be made. When the flight was actually boarding we were told that we could actually get on the plane and quickly checked in our luggage. We left with a delay of only one hour, but after a great deal of hassle. I will never fly this airline again.

Meridiana review - by Paul Nobbs
5 January 2006

Have just arrived back to LGW from a trip to Florence. On outward journey delayed 6 hours due to snow at Florence. Not Meridiana's fault, I know. But having checked the arrival time of the inbound aircraft before leaving home on teletext, we were prepared for the delay. However, the check-in staff at Gatwick all said that the flight was on time to the best of their knowledge. It would seem that teletext has more information than Meridiana's staff. I would also warn the many travellers like me, who do not enjoy the experience of flying, and whose only flicker of enjoyment is a glass of wine to calm the nerves, that Meridiana has a no alcohol policy, not even for money. I wonder how their bookings would be affected if they were to publicise this fact more openly. I would certainly have thought twice about using them.

Meridiana review - by Sue Moncrieff
9 October 2005

I have recently flown from LGW to Florence and return. The outward flight was delayed by one hour but it may not have been the fault of Meridiana. Both flights were satisfactory but the check-in procedure at Florence certainly needs some improvement. I cannot speak for the baggage handling as I only had hand luggage. I would fly with them again.

Meridiana review - by Mike England
8 October 2005

Flew from Gatwick to Olbia and returned four days later. Great little airline, courteous, minimal snacks, but free drinks including wine. I would fly with them again.

Meridiana review - by Lorraine Collins
16 September 2005

Have just got back from Florence and it was probably one of the most efficient journeys we've had. Meridiana are a small airline but didn't show it. The crew were pleasant and polite. So what if we only had a roll, biscuit and coffee/juice. If you must have alcohol on a two hour flight then pay a lot more and fly with another airline .Meridiana were great value for money and I wouldn't hesitate flying with them again.

Meridiana review - by Alan Taylor
30 August 2005

Meridiana between London and Florence. Outbound delayed 2 hours, inbound delayed 3 hours. Refreshments on board were minimal but acceptable. Staff overall were efficient but not particularly friendly. Flight quality and aircraft cleanliness etc were excellent. I just get the feeling that Meridiana as an airline do not carry much clout in terms of negotiating take-off slots etc. So if delays are your worst nightmare - suggest you dont use Meridiana, but if you dont mind sitting around in airports in order to get a good value flight - then go for it!!

Meridiana review - by Chris Brizzi
19 July 2005

Really awful flight - supposed to depart at 5.15, then delayed every half an hour! Eventually boarded at 9pm to find out Meridiana had offloaded passengers flying to Sicily on this aircraft, so that we could fly to London. Passengers on the Sicily flight found out what was happening and barricaded themselves at the gate - stopping the LGW bound passengers from boarding. Passengers were literally held hostage at the airport until Meridiana found another plane for the Catania flight. half passengers already on board waiting for the 'hostages' to be released from the angry mob. Then police had to release our flight. Landed at Gatwick at midnight - 6 hours late! No meridiana staff at arrival in LGW to assist with taxis and compensation they should provide. Crew helpful but did not give any information, we had to rely on the late passengers to board - overall wouldn't ever fly Meridiana again! They do not know how to handle situations such as a technical problem very well

Meridiana review - by Francis Steiner
12 July 2005

Meridiana do not deserve to stay in business. July 1st 2005 Gatwick to Florence. Baggage checked in, then flight cancelled 15 minutes before departure. Told to come back the next day! Some passengers had already been waiting 24 hours. No help given or offered in rebooking onto another airline, no apology, and no compensation for all the extra expense which we incurred. I will never fly Meridiana again!

Meridiana review - by Janet Walford
5 July 2005

Gatwick to Florence on 5 June. It was delayed 6 hours. Forewarned by postings on this website, we took our own food and wine on board, so were better off than others. But no one from Meridiana came to apologise for the delay. We finally got a small "sorry" from the announcer telling us that the plane was finally ready for boarding at 21.45. Apart from that, Meridiana clearly didn't give a damn about us. I pity the poor folk who were supposed to be on the 17.15 flight - they had to wait for our plane to go back to Gatwick so they probably spent the night on the airport floor. What a shambles. We will never, ever, fly Meridiana again.

Meridiana review - by Peter Lawrence

21 March 2005

I flew with Meridiana from Florence to London and enjoyed the experience. I had light luggage so could take it on the plane with me. The queues were like any normal airport. the staff were friendly, the plane very clean and comfortable. I had plenty of leg room and came off the flight relaxed and happy. If I wanted a drink I could have asked for it, in fact this is the first time I have flown without having food and I really enjoyed the experience. 

Meridiana review - by W Wallace

6 October 2004

Why on earth can't Meridiana do something about their appalling check-in procedures at Florence airport? There is never much semblance of order at the check-in desks; long queues are left as desks close; there's no priority for people without heavy luggage, let alone for those of us with Meridiana frequent flyer cards; it can take 45 minutes or more to check in, as people with heavy bags are slowly and painfully registered; my wife or I have been bounced off overbooked planes twice in the past six months (on Friday evening flights, which are the worst). Staff make no effort at apologies. I fly via Pisa with British Airways when I can, as far less stressful. Sadly, that takes over an hour longer in surface travel time.

Meridiana review - by Roberto Simeoni

3 October 2004

Munich to Olbia. The aircraft was very clean, proper and kept in good conditions, the staff was very friendly, we had no delays and the selection of food and beverage was like it´s given by other european airlines, had a pleasant and relaxing flight. Maybe the passengers above are demanding too much, buying an economy class ticket and presenting a first class senator service, I think there are much more important things than getting alcoholic beverage free of charge during a short distance flight.

Meridiana review - by Rob Mears

2 September 2004

Flew to Florence with Meridiana on27/8, quite dreadful experience, rude staff, awful inflight catering consisting of a stale sandwich thrown at people, cold coffee, and in economy no wine. Wine is apparently only reserved for "real business people who fly in business class". Flight was late departing, similar story at Florence, massive queues, the same condescending attitude, late departure, awful food, and we were charged 120 euros excess baggage, despite having zero hand baggage. (Both allowances added together were within the permitted levels). I will never again fly with this dreadful so called full service airline.

Meridiana review - by Jennifer Fieldhouse

24 July 2004

Meridiana must take the prize as the worse airline ever! I traveled with a group of 30 people to a wedding in Florence on the 9th of July 2004, we had a 5 hour delay going to Florence because of high winds, then they told us they didn't have a meal for us when we had boarded, my daughter-in-law is a diabetic, (panic stations), we managed to scrounge up a cereal bar which wasn't nearly enough. We arrived at Florence Airport at approx 11pm it then took us an hour and a half to reach our hotels, the wedding organiser managed to persuade the Hotel Chefs to stay and make a selection of food (thank goodness). On the way back another delay of an hour and a half in an airport that was really uncomfortable. once we got of the ground we were offered a stale sandwich and a half a cup of weak tea. No compensation, no apologies there were a great deal more difficulties for other people in our party trying to catch connecting flights but if i wrote them all down this comment would turn into a small novel! I will never ever travel with Meridiana again!

Meridiana review - by Evonne Tan

15 July 2004

Meridiana is definitely the worst airline anyone can fly with and I strongly advise everyone against using it. Our flight from Gatwick to Florence on 9/7 was cancelled due to high winds and we were given 2 options: stay in Gatwick at out own expense (all be it that we have pre-paid accommodation in Florence) and fly out the next day, or fly to Bologna (arrive at 11.30pm) and make our own way to Florence. The staff who informed us about this was dismissive of the airline’s responsibility: claiming instead that high winds is the act of God, and Meridiana is ‘doing you a favour’ by giving us a replacement flight so for further cost incurrence or inconvenience we should ‘blame God’. Before opting to fly to Bologna we checked and double checked with the staff re train connection from Bologna to Florence and were informed that trains between the 2 cities ’run at all hours’. When we got to Bologna though, due to the late hours, there were no bus to the station and no train to Florence. At the end we had to hitch a ride from another airline, who also had a cancelled flight from Madrid to Florence but, had prepared a connecting coach to Florence for their customers. By the time we got to Florence airport it was 2.30am, and we had to wait another half hour for an available taxi to the city. The typical cost of a flight from Gatwick to Bologna is £150 return, we paid £260 return for the luxury of flying directly to Florence at a decent hour. At the end, we got diverted to Bologna with no connection to Florence airport, no arrangements into the city, no compensation, not even an apology: "Low Cost, High Quality" - No !!

Meridiana review - by Rita Ellman

9 July 2004

Meridiana must be the worst airline I have ever flown with. My flight from Florence airport on 2nd July 2004 was delayed and then cancelled because of high winds. We were not properly informed about what was happening, although passengers were asking for information. When the flight was cancelled there was no help given to passengers to find hotel accommodation for the night and the airline refused to compensate passengers, saying that because it was the weather that caused the cancellation, the airline was not responsible. We were not offered as much as a glass of water, although we were held until 10.pm at night, from a 3.apm check in time. Three members of staff tried hard to deal with a plane load of passengers, but they were not authorised to give any serious assistance except for attempting to re-schedule flights for the next two days. Some passengers had to wait for two days for flights out of Florence and were offered no compensation for hotel expenses.

Meridiana review - by David Adams

10 May 2002

I recently made a round trip to Florence on Meridiana. I have to say I don't understand why they have 4 stars. The staff where rude and dismissive (except LGW which are Servisair staff). The seats where cramped and the food conisited of a dry inedible roll. We where delayed for 2.5 hours on the outbound flight and 3.5 hours on the return flight. There was only one announcEment. When I went to ask a member of Meridana staff what was happening she waved her hands and told me to go away because she was busy! They supplied no refeshments even for a 3.5 hour delay. On the return flight I had a broken seat and asked to be moved. I was told that I could not move as the flight as full. There where some empty seats in business class (which are the same size and pitch as economy!). When I asked for water I was given half a cup, when I asked for more she tutted and reluctantly went to get some more. Despite being very expensive this airline had poor seating and rude staff. I don't recommend them.