Kenya Airways

Recently flew from LHR to Nairobi on to Kilimanjaro and then return with Kenya Airways. Both of the long haul flights were overnight and the major bonus of flying with this carrier is that the plane was 2/3 empty on the outbound leg (so we got 3 seats each and a great night's sleep) and half-full on the return so we had 3 seats between 2 of us. However on the outbound journey none of the seat-back TVs worked in the centre and right hand seats most were just dead others flickered fitfully and most annoying my screen just wouldn't turn off. Also the reading lights didn't work so it was a good job we could sleep! However all four flights departed and arrived on time and the cabin crew didn't wake us up for breakfast.

I recently flew MAN to MBA via AMS and NBO. Overall a very pleasant flight. All flights took off and landed on time. I'll only mention the AMS to NBO to MBA sections because they were all Kenya flights. The 777-300 ER from AMS to NBO had the 3-3-3 arrangement which meant a little more room than I usually get on other airlines. The food was decent enough the wine ok and plenty off it. The service although not perfect was fine. The IFE is not upto Emirates quality but since I don't sit for the entire flight the movie choice was ok. The flight from NBO to MBA was on a well equipped Embraer 190 which even had its own IFE quite a novelty on a short hop flight and something I've never seen in Europe. The only fly in the ointment was NBO but that is not the airlines fault that's KAA's issue. Its a bit of a nightmare for an international arrival with a domestic transfer. But overall a decent flight I would certainly fly them again.

Recently took four Kenya Airways flights between London and Tanzania and every flight arrived at the destination early staff were friendly and helpful food was good and the flight price was excellent for this time of the year. I fly this route 2 or 3 times a year always with Kenya Airways and I'm yet to be disappointed.

Flew from NBO to Jo'burg with friends on golfing holiday (Group of 12). We fly KQ a lot in Kenya and we all knew it's a horrible airline before we booked but we did not have much choice and were ok because KQ normally fly golf bags for free. Nope - they've changed their minds on this route and tried to sting us each for $120 excess baggage. One couple paid and the rest of us refused - they finally let us on because we were holding up the check-in for everyone else. No in-flight entertainment of course but flight was actually on time which is a nice change for KQ. My wife and I booked our seats in advance but found they had been given up to others (part of my group so we did not make a fuss) and my wife and were given seats two rows apart. Luckily other people were prepared to swap so we could sit together. Hopelessly unprofessional airline from time of booking to time of landing but what can you do? I'd never fly KQ if I had a choice. Flight back was exactly the same except they let us bring our clubs for free because we had a letter from the tour operator saying we were entitled.

NBO-DEL. We were served only 1 samosa each for dinner. MUM-NBO flight was cancelled but before I left NBO the office confirmed that I was reserved on the next flight. On enquiring a day before travel was informed that I wasn't booked! He booked me then lucky enough there was space! NBO-MUM they said there's an hours delay it was actually 8 hours delayed! Missed the connecting flight to Kolkata paid an extra 3500 rupees for the next flight only the return from DEL-NBO was on time and well managed. KQ never again!

I flew Business Class from Bangkok to Nairobi and it was one of my worst flight experiences. The Business Class cabin was virtually empty 3 other passengers. The food was the same as Economy a chicken/patty/hamburger with overcooked vegetables and none of the wines on the impressive wine list were available - only the NZ Chardonnay they were serving in Economy. The IFE did not work which I reported to the Purser - was on the same plane same seat on return journey - still not working. On arrival at Nairobi I was woken on final approach - no time for even a cup of coffee. The stewardess said she had not wanted to wake me - but had not asked the night before if I would be wanting breakfast. A much shorter flight and also more expensive than Qatar which I usually choose on this route. Never again.

Our flight from Guangzhou to Bangkok was cancelled. This is actually not something unusual. However the handling of this situation by the local staff was an absolute disaster. Initially the flight was delayed for three hours until they eventually made the decision to cancel it. We were put up in a below average hotel and left in the dark about further arrangements. The next day we called them every half hour but they themselves did not know what went on. Furthermore they told us that we could not easily get our luggage. In the end I had to get very angry. Only then did they become more co-operative. However the pilot did not allow the luggage to be released from the airport until the afternoon of the next day. Due to this we almost missed the next flight. Never again!

Flew return London to Nairobi with "The Pride of Africa". The website is amateur looking and booking a seat is confusing. I did book with a travel agent and they said we would have to pay for extra legroom seats. However when I logged on I discovered row 33 DFG were all free to book with extra leg room. The service was basic food was bad my entertainment system was old and did not work when I asked a member of staff to look they just walked off. So 8 hours with no entertainment system the fact I had legroom helped me to relax. A man sitting next to me said their entertainment systems quite often do not work. Staff looked like they did not want to be there. On Returning from Zanzibar we were told we would have to pay $100 each for extra leg room. As the card machine was not working on the Kenya Airways desk my friend was taken for a 45 minute walk to get this booked. Terrible experience and I would never fly with them again.

We have been using KQ for the past 14 years out of Malawi and it is a love/hate relationship. I trust the pilots and the airline technicians. If KQ management would go the extra step they would graduate into another category. However very often its the individual flight attendants that keep me booking and flying KQ. We flew Economy and Business - both with different experiences. I was about not to book KQ anymore until the new dreamliner came in. Nice aircraft - friendly crew. The inflight service needs improvement. I have had better service in Economy than in Business class at times. The inflight entertainment program and equipment did not work on previous flights (both classes) except the new planes. Would I fly KQ again? Yes but if I can fly KLM equipment I would chose KLM because it is predictable in terms of standard and quality. The new Dreamliners will only be attractive as long as KQ maintains these aircraft well and keeps them clean and the inflight entertainment works.

NBO-DXB. They have started flying the B772 on this route. Pleasant and comfortable flight very welcome break from the ageing B767 a/c. Attentive crew and cabin service seems to have been revamped plenty of drinks rounds etc. The only qualm is the catering to basic and could do with some improvement. Overall a good flight.