Germanwings

For a low-cost airline I was naturally not expecting very much at all; however I was pleasantly surprised. For a slightly higher fee I could get significantly more legroom (more than that on British Airways) seat preference choice (unlike most budget airlines) and food. The collective deal was well worth the price. I would recommend this airline.

We had a 6 hour delay for a 90 minute flight! Paid extra for seating and food but were told to sit anywhere and was stuck in a small seat which got even more claustrophobic when the passenger in front put their seat back. Return flight was 10 mins late! Then despite paying for food I was told I had to pay again if I wanted anything! Flight cost over EUR300 so was not cheap and overall this was the worst experience I have ever had on any airline.

STN-HAJ: Outward leg fine comfortable leather seats. Return journey delayed by 1hr due to "Birds in engine" took off 1.5hrs late however we were last to board plane and advised that all of the overhead luggage compartments were full. One of our bags was placed with the other main luggage. Once the bag had been taken we realised our passports were in this bag and advised the crew. They told us that our bag would be given to us when we left the plane. Upon further enquiry we found out that our hand luggage would turn up in baggage collection. So a wonderful arrival at Stansted with no passports - kindly escorted to baggage collection to await hand luggage with passports - rather embarrassing. Anyhow just a warning that crew don't seem to be aware. Other than that a pleasant flight.

PMI to CGN. Check in was open 2.5 hours before flight. Staff talking to each other and not to passengers. They forgot to label one bag and we had to remind them. Two umbrellas took ages to label for the flight and had to explain what to do. Staff unable to put the bonus miles into systems and we were transferred to another desk. Staff here useless and after 20 minutes they managed to enter the bonus number. Now only one of us has miles while the other has no miles credited. Flight left late and drinks and food were served for charge. We had a voucher so we got a sandwich and one soft drink for free. Crew ok.

Fly an average of twice a year between North Rhine-Westphalia and Zürich. This time I flew Germanwings from CGN. Service is at the same level as LH and AB apart from having to pay extra for drinks food and luggage. Since I was travelling with hand luggage only this was the cheapest option with 200 euro return (booked two weeks in advance). Flight was efficient and on time. Especially on the way back pilot was very informative. Can't understand why plane in CGN parked right beside aviobridge and passengers were bussed to terminal.

TXL-CGN. On time flight and straightforward check-in. Very good value for money. Assigned and comfortable leather seat. Clearly stands out amongst the low-budget carriers.

STR-STN. Check-in and gate staff friendly and efficient. Assigned seating a massive advantage to other low cost. Cabin crew reasonably ok more efficient than friendly. Food/drinks onboard reasonably priced. Plane in good condition however I find new Recaro seats very uncomfortable. Legroom is good so all in all bearable for a short flight.

LHR-CGN. Unfortunately Lufthansa's service between London and Cologne is now operated by Germanwings. Upon arrival at the Star Alliance Gold check-in desk I was told I could not use it and was directed to the Germanwings Economy Class check-in queue. I wasn't permitted to use the Star Alliance Gold lounge. The flight itself was ok but the overall experience certainly was not. Oddly enough when I returned from Cologne 2 days later there was no problem using the Star Alliance Gold lounge. If Lufthansa expect to retain customer loyalty they must restore Gold Card privileges at LHR for flights now operated by Germanwings.

EDI-CGN and CGN-MUC. I have always rated them as one of the best low cost airlines especially now that they allocate seats. However they don't have their own staff an EDI and the handling company can be hit or miss. There is no bag drop so even if you've checked in online you're still going have to join the regular queue. Having checked in on line and eventually dropped our bags my wife and I were sitting in our allocated seats onboard - 10E and F when another passenger appeared with a boarding pass for seat 10F. After a few minutes a stewardess arrived with a computer printout showing us in seats 15A and B. Since these weren't extra leg-room seats for which we'd paid we flatly refused to move. Eventually the stewardess backed down and the other passenger was seated elsewhere. The flight itself was fine and the 'Happy Picnic' was tasty and good value. Travelling on from CGN to MUC a few days later we checked in by machine at the airport and dropped our luggage at the fast bag drop which really was fast. The whole process lasted under 5 mins. Again the flight was fine although air traffic restrictions led to a delay of about 25 mins.

Istanbul to Dortmund. take off super. No problem with air pressure and painful ears. Long time waiting before checking in luggage. Service very good and friendly even when the system fails for a moment.