URAL Airlines review : 13 September 2008 : by Phillip Watson

Customer Rating : 2/5

DME-SVX. Arrived two hours before for our flight for Ekaterinburg to discover they had merged it with another to Chita leaving us stuck there for an extra three hours. When I finally found the Urals desk after 30 minutes of searching I asked why they had merged the flights. Well, everyone does it, why have an empty plane to Chita when we can have full one to Ekaterinburg. Makes sense, so why have it on the timetable at all. Everyone does it she insisted. When I asked what we were supposed to do for three hours she shrugged her shoulders said 'Do what you want I don't care' When we started boarding they had put everyone onto a Il-86, and from there the service improved. The plane, which was a bit worn, but well looked after was big enough to accommodate our stroller in its cargo hold, rather than the luggage hold, and the cabin staff made an effort to be friendly and helpful. The food was superb, and had a well thought out meal. There was plenty of reading material and if it wasn't for the attitude on the ground this would be a glowing review, but the unannounced merging of flights the rudeness of the desk staff, as well as getting into Ekaterinburg 4 hours later than planned spoilt an otherwise excellent flight.

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