Aegean Airlines

Heathrow to Larnaca return in October 2011. Excellent in every respect - new clean aircraft relaxed and attentive service.

LHR - Mykonos rtn via Athens both ways. 30 minute delay outbound from LHR meant connection was very tight in Athens. Cabin crew provided reassurance to anxious passengers (one crew member saying 'Aegean Airlines cares for its passengers don't worry) and at Athens those of us with tight connections were met by a lady who competently and at very high speed escorted us through what is a complex connecting arrangement. No delays on the return service and we landed 15 minutes early at LHR. Service onboard was good with a hot meal and a free bar. On the way from LHR to ATH we had a new A321 aircraft with in flight entertainment (main screen). Otherwise flights were on a mix of A319 and A320 of varying ages. Thoroughly enjoyed my flights with them the crew work hard and seem proud of their airline.

LHR-ATH-LHR Business Class. Flight was comfortable with reasonably good service. On return trip breakfast was extremely good - much better than the lunch on the outward leg. No significant delays even though Greek ATC was working to rule.

Athens-Chios-Athens Economy. Despite this being only a 20 minute flight it's operated by an A320. Very few passengers on it on outward leg but quite busy on return with large number of pax transiting Athens en route to US and Canada having been back home for summer. Service was okay - early morning flight so we were offered coffee/ soft drink and chocolate croissant. Check in at Athens was very efficient. Chios is the smallest airport I have experienced but everything went very smoothly - even in a very cramped check in area there was no long delay getting luggage checked in and boarding cards issued.

Staff excellent customer service oriented meals are good and the planes are new. The seats are comfortable and lounge in Athens has a smoking area that is not packed.

I flew 4 flights with them over the summer and everyone of them was delayed. I am aware there are air traffic control restrictions so may not be the airlines fault. However I feel they are crafty as we were just getting up to a 3 hour delay when they boarded us only to sit on the plane for ages so they would not have to pay any compensation. On the plus side the fleet is modern and new. On all but one of the flights the cabin crew were helpful smart and smiling. I found the food to be adequate although no choice. You can check in online 48 hours before the flight and also book emergency row seats for no extra charge.

I have often flown Aegean and I always look forward to. Nice service only bad thing - occasionally you book with Aegean and end up having a return flight or a second leg with an inferior company. Make sure you check what connections and return flights are involved.

LHR-ATH-LHR. Super Flight great crew I was even offered a chance to see the captain. Great movie and lovely food good choice of duty free items lounge was comfortable.

LHR-ATH-JMK. Bags were transferred seamlessly at Athens which was my main concern. LHR-ATH flight was smooth cabin lighting could have been dimmed with one meal/trolley service for the flight food was served quickly however and the cabin crew were extremely friendly. ATH-JMK was the quickest flight I've ever done and by the time they handed out the drinks they were grabbing them back for landing. Overall a pleasant flying experience helped by the open selection on booking seats (I got exit rows) and the ability to check in 48 hrs before. My one criticism is when doing cabin announcements they speak English so quickly that you do not always hear/understand what is being said.

LHR-ATH-CFU return. Good planes seats and food. All on time. Let down only by the crew who though very glamorous were a bit clueless. On both long legs I attempted to get a second drink - all met with nods and smiles - to no avail. The Business lounge in Athens was good.