fastjet

What a welcome surprise fastjet is, giving real competition to Kenya Airways, whose fares are significantly higher. For about 80% less we flew them from Lilongwe (Malawi) to Dar es Salaam. They departed and arrived on time. The plane was new and comfortable. Yes, they charge for additional services, but the customer has control of how much beyond the very low fare they want to spend for advance booking, more advantageous seating, baggage, and food. Even with all the extras, our fare remained very low.

This was my first time flying with Fastjet. I selected it after reading mostly good reviews and that they are using bigger jet planes compared to the competition on this route. The ticket price was very good and the booking process rather simple. Now the bad part - I couldn't check in online for the flight. I headed to JRO airport with plenty of time. When I arrived there was nobody at the check in desk. Apparently the flight was cancelled and I was informed via e-mail and voicemail just 2 hours before departure and while I was on my way to the airport. They had rebooked me on the next flight (8+ hrs later) and I was refused reprotection on another airline. As a matter of fact there was a Precision Air flight leaving 3 hours later. I was told I could get a refund (only for the base fare and not for the extras like baggage fees etc) and then pay for my own ticket. The staff was apologetic and understanding. No food voucher or any other support was provided. I had to wait almost 9 hours at the airport. This is not the fault of the local staff but rather an issue of the upper management. They should look after their passengers better and have provisions when flight cancellations occur. I will think twice before booking with Fastjet.

Flew fastjet from Dar Es Salaam to Johannesburg and two days later on the return flight. Not a bad experience overall. The cabin could be a little more tidier and cleaner. The cabin crew could smile a little bit more. I felt like I was bothering the lady whom I asked for coffee. It would also help if they could mention somewhere pre booking that you will have to pay for checked in luggage. I ended up paying for both flights a total of $50, for checking in a backpack which only had my toiletry (as these are not allowed on carry-on luggage) and a pair of flops. We were also delayed out of Johannesburg by almost an hour, the reason given was that the aircraft doing the flight arrived late (the same aircraft that does the inbound flight from Dar es Salaam) and once we were allowed to board,we were then stopped on the jetway at the aircraft door as we had to wait for both the pilots to come from shopping at the duty free shop. We started boarding again after they had passed us by into the aircarft, shopping bags in hand. I found this very unprofessional and have written a complaint by email to fastjet. Still waiting for a response.

Clean cabin, helpful and friendly service. Most of my fastjet flights left on time. I used Fastjet between Dar Es Salaam and Uganda, South Africa and Malawi. Flights were over 75 per cent full, especially Uganda and Malawi. This is a budget, no Frills carriers. Flights were smooth, great service and clean cabin.