Meridiana

Disgraceful service for an airline that uses a BA codeshare. Arrived in Florence from London 6 hours late after flying to Bologna (not Florence) and then bus to Florence - never found out why. Despite being 'business' class the on-board service was practically non-existent. I think this is a cheap airline pretending to be better than it is.

Horrible. On return flight from Florence to Gatwick the check-in seemed to be taking ages. We realised that everyone was being told that they hadn't paid for luggage to go into the hold - news to us. We were all charged 15 euros per suitcase even though there had been no charge on the way out. This caused a lot of anger and distress. When I got home I checked my booking and it said first suitcase was free. Now beginning the long process of claiming back my money. Never again.

I booked 2 tickets for Amsterdam to Florence for September 2011. I read that Meridiana stopped this route by March 28th 2001. Trying to reach Meridiana by telephone is impossible. Either they hang up the phone or they don't pick up the phone. Emails are not answered. I don't know if this unfriendly company will pay back or not. Never book with this unreliable airline company!

London-Florence Return. Outward bound was satisfactory. Return flight was cancelled once we were at the airport and placed on a flight from Bologna. Waited in line for 1.5 hours to check in then put on a bus and undertook baggage drop and security at Bologna. Just be aware that your flight may not leave from the city you booked for.

I booked two tickets from Amstedam to Florence and back (14th/21st April). Two weeks ago I received notice from Meridiana that my flights have been cancelled. Since then I have been trying to get a refund. I sent three e-mails to an address I had been given by a staff member of customer care. No answer! I called again today only to hear that I should have called instead of sending an e-mail. That is the silliest excuse I have ever heard. I wanted to use an e-mail because then at least you can prove that you have claimed a refund. Today I finally succeeded in getting confirmation of the refund but the amount is much less than what I have paid for the tickets. So I have sent another e-mail. My hopes are not high. I am never going to book a ticket with this dodgy airline again. I have booked two new tickets with KLM which I should have done in the fist place. Of course the KLM tickets are much more expensive now than they were months ago when I booked my Meridiana flights.

OLB-BLQ on MD-80 seats cramped but fine for a short flight. Service was one drink (coke orange juice or water) no snack. The biggest gripe with Meridiana is that they charge high fares but are in practice a no-frills airline. On a number of domestic routes you even need to pay extra for checked baggage as it is the case with low cost carriers. They have a sort of monopoly in Olbia so you don't have much choice.

My experience was an efficient airline on time both ways to/from Florence. More leg room than many airlines. Refreshments were free and adequate for such a short journey.

I really hate this airline sometimes. No major beef with the aircraft (I have only ever flown long haul on decent A330 aircraft) but the organization of the airline is terrible. It is basically impossible to speak to anyone who knows what they are doing or that has access to necessary information. Three times now I have attempted to book (either during reservation or after) bassinet row seats or biz upgrade only to be told that it is all full up and not possible. You get to the flight and find empty seats. Furthermore they want to sell the bulkhead seats for 45 euros but will not prioritise for people with young children. So first come first served basically. On the upside in biz I ate the best food I have had on a plane for a long time. Good antipasti great pasta and decent second course meat as well.

LGW-FLR flight was cancelled due to weather and we received no help nor information. No customer service no updates absolutely no response to phone email and other internet contact. Very unfriendly check in. We will never fly this airline again.

Milano Linate-Alghero return MD-82 Economy. Quite old aircraft average service30 mins delay on flight to Sardinia. This airline clearly needs improvement to offer a higher standard but it's ok if you just need to fly from Italy to Sardinia. Average crew.