LOT Polish Airlines

My comments relate rather to the ground services than to the flight. I took several flights on European routes and they were no worse then other European airlines. However reservations booking online and any other sales services leave much to be desired. The airline offers multitude of different fares which are not adequately defined so one never really knows what one buys until some changes are required. No proper definition appears online or on tickets. The staff handling reservations are not helpful to say the least or outright incompetent. Ground staff in WAW are often very rude. On top of it there are additional unexpected charges. For example when one pays extra for luggage at the airport there is an additional relatively high charge just for the transaction. All in all there is nothing wrong with the airline for a quick uncomplicated jump between WAW and an airport in Europe but watch out at reservation. Not for serious travel. Not very often on time so if you have an important meeting allow sufficient extra time.

First and last time flying with LOT. Flight from Chicago to Warsaw was delayed 2 hours. As a result I missed my connecting flight to Moscow. Seats in business class were quite uncomfortable no electric outlets and the inflight entertainment was pathetic. Transfer desk in Warsaw was a nightmare: one person trying to rebook dozens. Little did I know that my return flight would be even worse: flight from Warsaw to Chicago was delayed 3 hours and then cancelled. Had to get luggage back (waited an hour for that) go back through customs passport control etc. then pushed from one line to next - no clear instructions no help no information. Eventually rebooked to the flight to Toronto. Seats on that flight were also even more uncomfortable than on the first flight and the seat controls were simply not working. We had to spend the night in Toronto and fly to Chicago the next day. As far as travelling in business class and flying in general this was the worst experience ever.

Chicago to Warsaw both times. They are never on time. Both times delayed last time cancelled. When booked I was to be seated next to my daughter this did not happen. If you take LOT to save money - beware you get what you pay for!

WAW to TLV in economy. Plane was very old (737-400) there was a problem with the engine and we took off 45 mins late. Inflight meal service is horrible: one sandwich with one leaf of salad some tasteless cheese on a 4 hour flight. Drink served 40 mins after meal and beverages were not cold. Seat was very old with very small legroom. Cabin attendants polite.

TBS-WAW-PAR flight in the second week of May. The experience is just terrible. Check-in area for flight TBS-WAW is awful since you need to pass the guy who is checking passport irrespective business or economy class (gold or silver status). You need to stay in line and wait for his clearance. Boarding was chaotic without clear announcements. The plane was Embraer-170 which is like a small mini bus. The seats are uncomfortable and had very little pitch between the rows. The big joke is the meal service - small sandwich which is for a flight of 3.5 hours. I do not mind paying for food if it is offered (excellent example Pegasus airline). I should say that LOT Polish airlines service getting worse and worse. Not recommended airline for travellers to Tbilisi. There are much better options from traditional airlines like Lufthansa and Turkish airlines. The best low cost for travellers to Tbilisi is Pegasus airlines.

VNO-CDG via WAW . My first time on E170 & E175. Satisfied by the flights (seat comfort pitch inflight service ). Big issues on ground handling. The flights had a 75 min connection. At VNO although I am a STAR ALLIANCE member they put the priority tag on my suitcase after I mentioned it. 40 minutes Holding over WAW due to Fog. During boarding in WAW I expressed my concerns about my bag but they told me its ok because they are other pax and there will be a delay. 15 minute delay and arriving at CDG on time. Of course no bag on the belt. They told me I'd have my bag next morning it never happened I had to wait 3 days. Overall a great flight experience but improvement needed with ground handling.

WAW-LHR. Y Class on a very tired B737-400. Cabin crew were friendly but the aircraft was quite uncomfortable. I could feel the seat frame through the ancient cushion on the seat. The size of the departure lounge at Warsaw was far too small and crowded for this flight also - perhaps not the fault of the airline but added to the overall average experience. The food was more than acceptable.

Athens to Krakow and back. The time of departure was early morning about 04.30 and the aircraft was an Embraer 170. Small aircraft but clean and comfortable. The staff were not friendly. The flight was excellent and the arrival on time. The meal was poor but the trip was short. The only problem for me was the behaviour of cabin crew. The return was the next day. The departure time was after midnight with the same aircraft. The cabin crew were again rude.

I travel a lot on European flights lately to Stuttgart and Milan from Warsaw. Most of all - On time and on schedule. Embraer planes are quite comfy. Staff on board smiling and helpful. You always get at least a sandwich and you can have a glass of wine what is not normal on all European airlines in Economy. I recommend LOT for travelling on European routes.

Chicago to Warsaw booked premium economy on dreamliner but once it got grounded I got a free upgrade to Business Class both ways. Service was great. Business lounge at Chicago was excellent but no TV? Onboard greeted with Champagne or juices. Dinner was 5 course of excellent quality. Good selection of wines and drinks. Service was quick and polite. Seats were comfortable but not fully reclinable. Bag came out first as it should be.