OLYMPIC AIRLINES review : 19 June 2008 : by Peter Bedson

Customer Rating : 3/5

Its not that bad! OA seem to be trying to get their act together - on my last flight they even handed out customer satisfaction questionnaires! They have a long way to go and some of the FA can be really boot-faced old bags (apparently as civil servants they are basically unsackable so customer service is optional) but they do seem to be trying harder. Food is good and plentiful but you may have to fight the FA for a drink (do they pay for it themselves or what?). A lot seems to depend on the Purser - if you get a good one then they are OK, but if you get a bad one then the crew seem to take their cue from them and snarl at you. Some of the aircraft are looking a bit tired around the edges but A340s are generally good. I would rate the airline as about half way to good.

Olympic Airlines review by S Bower

17 June 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Athens to LHR. Staff come round with drinks and indifferent quality food early in the flight, collect plastic detritus, serve coffee and then disappear. Several people rang for service but all calls were ignored. I lived in Greece for 15 years and got used to the lazy, grudging time-serving attitude of OA employees, who are civil servants and therefore cannot, under Greek law, be fired. Now I would never fly OA again if I could avoid it.

Olympic Airlines review by L Pantaleo

10 June 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

JFK to Athens in May 2008. We flew out at 4-30pm, they served us a very healthy dinner, the crew cleaned up the trays and asked all of us to close the blinds at about 6-30pm. After turning off the lights, I realized my TV unit didn't work, my headset jack didn't have power and the overhead lights didn't work. I was in a section of about 10 rows that had absolutely no power. Well, needless to say all of these people started to complain. We were in total darkness for the next 8 hours. The flight was full so moving us around was not an option. The staff were initially friendly, at first speaking both Greek and American. As the the flight progressed they became very rude and only spoke Greek. Too bad they don't like their jobs but don't take it out on the customers. The flight back home was a different plane, different staff and more pleasant.

Olympic Airlines review by J Makkidis

3 June 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Domestic flight KVA-ATH. Flight on time, plane 90% full. B737-300 leased from a Spanish airline. Crew pleasant and swift. Serving of coffee, juice and croissant is fine for a 40 minutes flight.

Olympic Airlines review by A Mitchell

27 May 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Athens to Larnaca in business. Lounge in Athens was very quiet in the late evening. Reasonable selection of snacks and drinks. Only two of us in business cabin. Stewardess asked if we wanted to see the safety demonstration or not. Replied no, to see what would happen, and low and behold, while giving demo to economy pax, didn't bother with business passengers. Hot meal served was pretty inedible, but I didn't have much of an appetite at 2am.

Olympic Airlines review by L Torrens

31 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Worst experience we've ever had. They had a severe maintenance problem, but rather than cancel the flight, they came out every hour and said they would have more information shortly. 5 hours after scheduled departure time they finally gave us vouchers at a local hotel, but the next morning, the cycle repeated - they said they would have information about this flight shortly. Shortly never arrived - and 22 hours later, the pax for this flight were still standing in front of the counter trying to get serviced, cancelled, or assisted onto other flights, which by and large, Olympic Airlines was unable or unwilling to do. They had several employees present but insisted that only one of them could offer aid to the over 100 passengers on this flight. Furthermore, they could not locate our baggage, and had sent it on to Cairo. We spent 2 days without clothes or luggage, then spent 4 hours in Cairo (when we finally arrived via other airline), trying to get the OA employee to show up and find out luggage. I finally found and purchased my own last minute tickets on another airline and two+ weeks later, am still waiting to receive our refund for the OA tickets. Never again for us.

Olympic Airlines review by Frederic Lamarche

27 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Return between Paris Charles de Gaulle and Athens. Airbus 340 for the onward journey and Boeing 737-400 for the return. Airbus cabin not clean. Meals ok for a 2h45m flight. The worst point for both flights was FA attitude. Not a smile from any of them. They gave orders in unpolite way to passengers. Overhead bins reserved for their own luggage. After meal service, they went to sit and chat. No welcome on board while boarding (not even good afternoon), no thanks or goodbye while disembarking. I have flown dozens of airlines and this is probably my worst experience in terms of FA behaviour.

Olympic Airlines review by Tony Kidman

12 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I have yet to fly with OA. I'm booked on London-Athens and then on to Preveza and return in three day's time. I booked on the website, choosing OA for their departure and arrival times, but the website doesn't tell you about tickets - many of the comments on this review refer to paper tickets - or baggage allowance, or check-in times. So I've been 'phoning the London office since last Thursday (it's now Monday and they're shut over the weekend) to ask. Have I got an answer? No, but a welcome message is repeated every minute, followed by a warning that tickets booked by 'phone are charged extra. The only other London office is at Heathrow. This 'phone isn't answered either but plays once, before hanging up, a message referring you to another number which turns out to be "not in service". The website has no email address for Customer Services so contacting them is not possible. How do I find out what I need to know? I'll have to turn up at the airport and hope all goes well but the portents are not good so far and I'm awarding 1 star to reflect this.

Olympic Airlines review by Ron Stalenberg

5 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Dubai to Rome via Athens & return. Every flight started late. Service generally indifferent - not as cheery and engaging as many others. FAs unkempt. Food was different - but slow coming on the return flight. FAs not very present - ie served - and disappeared! Both flights had limited inflight entertainment (headphones and ceiling screens). Amusing to see the Greek travelogue on the way home from Greece! Music selection was limited to hip-hop / Greek music from the archives / worst hits from yesteryear by unknown artists! Somehow, they've managed to put their seats about 5cm higher than everyone else and I actually had room to stretch my legs (I'm tall!) - a nice compensation!

Olympic Airlines review by M Konstas

11 December 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

JFK-ATH-JFK. Service friendly and efficient, Terminal in JFK better than Delta. Planes better than Delta - more legroom, personal TV, and food. Olympic is no Singapore airlines by no means. But it does gets the job done, cheap, efficient.

Olympic Airlines review by J Anders

27 November 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Trip started with a mess at LHR. Had to pick up a previously paid for ticket at their small terminal ticket office. Staff indifferent - almost upset they had to do some work and print out a ticket. Once onboard, plane certainly showed its age. FA's not too excited at being employed with somewhat surly service. Only good point is OA feed you something unlike most other airlines these days. If you have another airline choice take it.

Olympic Airlines review by J Carp

14 November 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

You get what you pay for. I paid $700 from Egypt to Toronto with a stopover in Greece. That's not much. The staff on the flight are nice but rude in comparison to other airlines.

Olympic Airlines review by Nick Komninos

9 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

ATH-AMS-ATH in economy class. Boeing 737-400 on both legs. Service average but meal better than other airlines I have flown. Cabin crew disappeared after collecting empty food trays and appeared again just before landing. Same happened on the return leg. Olympic is an airline which I dont mind flying every now and then.

Olympic Airlines review by C Bastas

2 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Travelling on OA can be touch or go. My husband and I travel to Greece 2-3 times per year and choose Olympic since it is the only airline that flies direct to Athens from Montreal. This flight uses an Airbus which is nice, and econom y passengers have PTVs - except both my daughter and myself (Athens- London) had units that didn't work (1st time this has happened). Leg room is reasonable in economy and food is okay - particiulary when compared to charter flights. While the staff was friendly and helpful this past trip, in general we have found their manners poor,unaccomodating, and unprofessional - something they definately need to work on improving. On the positive side, we have seen a marked improvement with flights leaving on time, which certainly wasn't the case in the past.

Olympic Airlines review by B Henderson

28 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Flew four segments within Greece in late July / early August. The aircraft interiors need to be refurbished - they are old and dirty. Boarded in SKG. We were given boarding passes and seats in Row 4. Going thru the gate, the agent crossed out 4 and gave us Row 20. When questioned, she muttered something about a different aircraft. Once in the air, guess who was sitting in Row 4? The same agent who switched us back to Row 20. A warning - smoking is everywhere. Even the airport departure lounges that have No Smoking sections have ashtrays placed in those sections.

Olympic Airlines review by C Kottas

17 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

OA is on both economy and business than other airlines, meals are hot, and check-in staff more flexible (indifferent) with luggage weight and size allowance (to the extent that ovesize cabin baggage can delay the flight!). OA still issue paper tickets, and online ebooking option is lame. They boast recently of initiating e-check in (on domestic flights and for passengers with hand-luggage only). However, when I tried to board an ATH-SKG flight with a boarding pass printed at home, they "couldn't find me in the computer" and I nearly lost the flight. Not surprisingly, boarding takes always more time and is chaotic on OA. Once aboard, aircraft interiors on almost all OA aircraft are in urgent need of a good cleaning and upgrading. And flight entertainment is either non-existent or 15 years behind today's norm. Technology apart, the quality of service received from OA staff can range from barely acceptable to utterly shambolic. It is rather the rule to encounter indifferent or even rude ground and flight attendants. In brief, this company has been disintegrating to such degree for 20+ years now, that there is a canyon between OA and their European counterparts in professional attitude and quality of service.

Olympic Airlines review by B Francini

29 July 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Berlin-Athens-Mykonos. Olympic Airlines still uses paper tickets, and I don't think you have an e-ticket option. At best that's very retro, at worst, you had people on our flight who didn't understand the concept of paper tickets and wound up paying twice. Flight Berlin - Athens was fine. Legroom for coach fine and a full meal on a 2 hour flight, not bad. Athens - Mykonos leg. Should have been a turboprop, but flight was canceled and combined with a later flight to Mykonos on a 737. Unruly travelers were yelling at Olympic staff, who didn't seem to care, very odd experience. We did get a 6 Euro meal voucher, which just covered a value meal at the McDonald's. All in all, it was a mixed experience. I'd say avoid in general, but if you're flying around Greece, it's either them or Aegean (who were slightly better).

Olympic Airlines review by Steve Mumby

25 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

NYC to ATH to KGS in Business Class and return. If I were being kind, I could say the left hand wasn't completely sure what the right hand was doing - but actually I think the left hand doesn't even know the right hand exists. Business Class on Olympic is simply dreadful. No amenities, old and uncomfortable seats, service only if you demand it, very poor entertainment system and a crew who stand and talk in very loud voices all night. The food would qualify as decent if you were in Economy but is mediocre in Business and very poorly served. Add to this flight time changes for no apparent reason, no explanation of what might be going on (even from the attendants in the Business lounge in Athens airport) and a distinct attitude from most personnel that having us around was annoyance and you get what Olympic is like. All I can say is never again. This was our last trip on Olympic.

Olympic Airlines review by Louis Esteves

24 May 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

ATH-RHO. I try to avoid Olympic when possible, however pleased with the service on this occasion. Quick and easy on a 50 minute flight. Not happy with a cat box blocking my exit on a middle seat on the floor. No attempt was made by the crew to place said box in the overhead locker. Other than that, slowly improving.

Olympic Airlines review by Antonis Asprakis

4 May 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

ATH-CDG one way, economy class. Although I have tried to avoid Olympic in the past, I was pleasantly surprised by this experience. Pleasant FAs, one of the best meals I have had on a flight, plane in very good condition with comfortable seats (an Airbus A340 was used, which may not be the norm). Will definitely consider Olympic again.

Olympic Airlines review by Erja Reinikainen

24 March 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Never mind the food, but would you like to be charged twice for your flight? Do not trust the "on-line booking" on the Olympic web-pages. My credit card was charged when I made the booking. Fine. Normally I'd get a e-ticket. but the Olympic does not know such, and asks for a ticket delivery address. So I give a trusted agency in Greece, as the tickets are for return journey. The tickets never arrived. When the agent asked for them, Olympic replied that the tickets can be picked up from the airport. Fine. In Kefalonia, at Argostoli Airport the highest official of Olympic, as I understand, did find my reservation, but refused to issue the tickets and made me pay again to get on board. What if it had been my children, who are travelling this route often, without a credit card? Would they have been left outside the closing Argostoli Airport, missing the connection from Athens, even though their tickets had been paid for? I strongly urge Olympic to remove the "on-line" booking option from their web-pages until they can train their own personnel how to handle the on-line bookings. It is yet to be seen how the refund for the four tickets I paid for twice can be obtained. I will be happy to report.

Olympic Airlines review by Sid Geldenhuys
3 March 2007

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Olympic. From the moment we boarded the plane cabin crew and flight attendants were friendly and efficient. Even on our return trip when we were faced with an extra delay, we were grateful for the captain's concern for the passengers when he evicted a passenger whom he described as " having consumed too much alcohol". The inflight catering was good - hot and tasty. We were able to stretch out and get 90% comfortable and have a good sleep. At all times we felt safe and well cared for.

Olympic Airlines review by Vassili Vutsadakis
8 February 2007

Athens-Moscow on Olympic. Overall pleasant experience. Surprised with the large distance between seats in economy. Flight attendants professional. Plane on time leaving and arriving and generally clean. Food was nice. Athens airport very nice - much better than Sheremetevo.

Olympic Airlines review by M Churchill
19 January 2007

I had never flown Olympic before, and my expectation was low. However, check in was a breeze, the flight departed on time. The legroom in economy is better than most other European carriers. The meal was actually hot and edible; the drinks were free and available. The crew was more functional, rather than friendly and efficient. On the downside one of the two economy toilets was out of order for the whole flight, although their was only 3 people in business class, the crew would not allow the economy passengers to use the business class toilet. The result, a long wait to use an increasingly smelly and dirty toilet.

Olympic Airlines review by Alex Rapis
30 November 2006

I'm a long time veteran of Olympic, and a frequent traveller to Greece, I usually find myself on Olympic on some leg of my journey. Taking it as a connecting from either LHR, FRA, or VIE I have had numerous pleasant and not so pleasant experiences. To be honest, sometimes it's a pleasant experience with a kind cabin crew, decent food, on time service, and ample leg room. Other times, it's a Greek disaster on wings. Numerous times their flights have been delayed for hours, the cabin unkempt, the cabin crew extremely unprofessional, and it is sometimes really unacceptable. The domestic flights are exactly what they advertise: Domestic. It's quick, spartan service, the aircraft usually taxiing out as the last passenger has stepped in the door. It's really more hit-or- miss with this airline.

Olympic Airlines review by Christine Anderson
2 November 2006

My husband and I returned to England from Corfu via Athens on Friday 27 October where my husband was a stretcher passenger. He received no attention whatsoever from the cabin crew, who obviously regarded him as a nuisance. When the food was distributed none was left for him until I particularly requested it where I received the response 'Oh! does he eat food!' During the later part of the journey, my husband was having difficulty in breathing and required oxygen. The cabin crewe were asked for this and, initially, took no notice of the request. Upon a second request being made by me, an oxygen cylinder was eventually produced but no member of the crew was capable of operating it. Eventually a request was made for a doctor, if on board, to assist and, after a discussion, it was agreed that the oxygen pressure needed to be increased, but the cabin crew stated that they were unable to do this without permission. So far as I was aware no permission was either sought or given. Fortunately, by this time the plane was not that far from Heathrow so my husband was able to survive until the plane landed. Again no acknowledgement of his presence was made by the crew nor any assistance offered. I hope you will post this comment on your site in the hope that it will deter any other passengers who may be dubious about their state of health from travelling with this airline.

Olympic Airlines review by Janet Vella
19 October 2006

NY to Athens return. Flight over was okay, food okay, cabin staff okay but not extremely friendly. Flight back - thumbs down. Boarded at 1215 in the afternoon & was given an okay dinner around 1:15 PM. The next food & beverage was 7 hours later. No beverage service from 1215 until 730 PM. When you asked for a drink you got a finger pointing to where the water was as the attendant proceeded to sit down and read a magazine. Pushed our service button twice on the plane, once for defected ear phones & then for water. No one came to see if there was a problem or to offer assistance. One gentleman got up to get a drink & he received such an unfriendly reply. Don't they realize how dry the air can be & diabetics need food within certain time frames. Medications need to be taken. I truly hope I never have to fly Olympic Airlines again. Someone in this organization need to realize customers are paying for a service.

Olympic Airlines review by Richard Schulist
30 September 2006

Olympic to Athens from JFK (New York) about 2 weeks ago and the flight leaving JFK was almost 3 hours late. The flight back to JFK from Athens last Saturday was over an hour late, so we missed our connecting flight from JFK to San Francisco. Olympic would not help us at all after missing our connecting flight to SFO because our tour company had purchased United E-tickets for the missed flight--E-tickets aren't transferrable among other airlines. Olympic refused to pay for a hotel for that evening because Olympic claimed that if we had paper tickets, they could have been used to book a later flight to SFO that day on another airline. Seems that E-tickets are good only on the airline that issues them and United's next available flight from JFK to SFO was early the next morning. We had to pay for our own hotel and meals that night. Olympic planes were old. Going to Athens, the earphones wouldn't work because the earphone plug port was broken. On our return flight, the overhead reading lights quit midway into the flight. The food was OK and flight personnel were cordial. I'd fly Olympic again, but would assume late arrival times and plan accordingly.

Olympic Airlines review by Branko Popovic
28 September 2006

I am flying Olympic at least once a year on route JHB - ATH - BEG and back. Nothing amazing, decent aircraft, food and service. Few more smiles on dead serious cabin crew faces should help a lot. Transfer zone for international flights at Athens airport - restaurants are overpriced but what is really irritating is that very often you cannot find a vacant chair because Olympic crews are happily siting and chatting for as long as they want, while you, the passenger in transit, stand and watch.

Olympic Airlines review by Roger Aves
22 September 2006

LHR-ATH-LHR economy class A340-300. Both flights more or less on time. Aircraft are quite new, clean, with great seating in economy class, very wide comfy seats and great leg room. Food not bad, at least you get a reasonable hot meal without having to pay. Crew okay and efficient.

Olympic Airlines review by N Prestage
16 September 2006

JFK-ATH-JFK less than enjoyable. Surly, poorly groomed flight attendants and a haphazardly serviced passenger cabin (lavatory reeked) have become commonplace. There are many carriers ex JFK that can get you to ATH. Consider using one of them first.

Olympic Airlines review by Jo Champeau
24 July 2006

London to Ioannina via Athens. All flights on time, food very good and plenty of leg room on London / Athens flights. Although the service was efficient, staff could be more friendly.

Olympic Airlines review by Charles Holley
18 July 2006

Toronto to Athens in Business (layover in Montreal). Olympic business class is about the worst I have ever flown. The plane itself is fine and the seats are about minimum comfort. The problem is that food and service areawful. The wine and meal were comparable to a decent economy class. There were no amenity kits (sorry, we are out?) and the inflight entertainment systems are old. My recommendation for anyone flying Olympic Airlines would be to stay with economy class (which I think is fine). Business class is not worth the cost.

Olympic Airlines review by Dirk Skawran
25 March 2006

Johannesburg-Athens-Frankfur. There were no problems with the connection flight to Frankfurt. The luggage arrived and both flights were on time. Athens is also a pleasant airport for connection flights. Olympic's Economy Class cabin on their A340-300s is neat and clean. The seats have a comfortable shape and the seat pitch is greater than that of other airlines flying between South Africa and Europe - seats have PTVs and moveable headrests. Catering on the flight between Johannesburg and Athens of a medium standard, but nothing to complain about. Cabin crew efficient, but it was noticeable that they were very rushed. I must compliment one crew member, who checked on an old lady during the whole night and ensured that she was comfortable. The cabin crew on the connection flight to Frankfurt also efficient and the warm breakfast, served on this flight, was above medium standard. I have flown KL, BA, IB, SA, LX and LH on the route from South Africa to Europe, and even if some of these airlines might score higher marks in certain categories OA is comparable in most categories. There might be room for improvement in certain sectors, but my overall impression was fine and I enjoyed both flights.

Olympic Airlines review by David Garza
6 February 2006

JFK-ATH-Crete return. After 24 plus years of flying, this trip was probably the worst! Every Olympic flight was late. The late arrival at JFK on the return leg caused us to miss connecting flt to DFW. The next morning, I missed several connecting flights because the Olympic terminal wasn't manned until the afternoon! On arrival at JFK, people started getting up and grabbing their bags immediately after touchdown! The aisles were crowded with people by the time we got to the jetway. The flight crew lost complete control. Suffice it to say it will be my last trip on Olympic.

Olympic Airlines review by Mary Rose James
21 January 2006

Crete-Athens-Montreal-Toronto and back in Economy and I feel lucky to have arrived in one piece! Apart from the direct flight to my destination and a reasonable fare, I would definitely NOT recommend Olympic. The outgoing flights were just tolerable and at least not drastically delayed. My return trip was a nightmare - flight 3 hours late in leaving Toronto, delayed again in Montreal, which resulted in my missing my 12 noon flight to Iraklion. When I approached the transfer desk in Athens, I was informed that I was booked on 2:30 flight to Iraklion, but had to claim my luggage, which was very late in coming off the plane, one piece being missing. When I went to report it, I was told to go ahead and try to catch the flight. Upstairs at check in, they then told me that I was too late to catch the flight, the next one being 5 hours later, and that I had to go back to arrivals to make a claim for the lost piece of luggage. Arrivals personnel informed I needed an escort, to re-enter which I had to call and ask for . Finally someone arrived, escorted me in and located my piece of luggage, which she reassured me would go on my flight. When I arrived in Iraklion (flight almost an hour delayed), I did retrieve that piece but the piece I had picked up in Athens was now missing! I made another lost baggage claim, and was told I would get my bag the next day. When Olympic Lost and Found called the next day to say my bag had arrived, they insisted that it could not be left outside my door - I had to receive and sign for it myself. I was due at work, but waited at home until early afternoon only to discover the piece of luggage had been left at the bottom of the stairs with no one alerting me. All in all a long journey made longer and extremely stressful due to inefficiency, to say nothing of indifferent or rude service, my pre-booked seat given to someone else, a headphone set that kept falling out of the jack, and a host of other discomforts. Fly Olympic only if you want "olympian" problems!

Olympic Airlines review by David van Greunen
5 January 2006

Johannesburg-Athens-London return. The aircraft were okay - A340-300 and B737-400. Legroom on the A340 was good, the food was not bad either. Staff were not that good - service is rushed and they seem to be irritated. There seems to be no job satisfaction or pride. No standard uniform as all staff seem to have different uniform style. The best crew LHR to Athens and Athens to JNB. On the whole not too bad an experience and will fly Olympic again as they offer the best prices from South Africa.