SriLankan Airlines

BKK-PEK it is surprising how many routes into China this airline operate - to Hong Kong Beijing and even Guangzhou. The flights to Beijing don't operate every day nor at the same time on the days they do fly but I was able to squeeze them into my routing by using their very early Fri morning departure and an excellent one-way fare in business class that was about the same as the competition - Thai and Air China - were charging in economy. There was no wait at check-in but some delay as the staff were unaware that China has dropped visa requirements for many nationals who are spending less than 72h in China. After this frustrating delay I was able to proceed through fast track security and into the shared lounge. The hors d'oeuvres were appalling possibly toxic but drinks were available and there was a partial view of the airfield. Boarding was an hour late due to the late arrival of the aircraft from Colombo. Once onboard the four-engined Airbus A340 cabin crew incredibly kind and charming. The seat was an old fashioned cradle recliner extremely comfortable and massive seat pitch. Only two other passengers both of whom were rude to the doting crew. Perhaps there is something unique about Sri Lankan passengers that requires the laminated card in seat pockets regarding zero tolerance for disruptive passengers something I've never seen before? I had a look in economy which was a bit shabby but still looked comfortable. I opted for the Sri Lankan meal option the main course a curried mixed grill absolutely gorgeous. The Ceylon tea service that followed was the best tea I've had. Finally enjoyed an hour's sleep before landing and a kind farewell from one of the nicest crew I've flown with. Despite the lack of alliance mileage on offer I will fly this airline again.

Flew as part of Code share flight from BLR to SHJ via CMB. Srilankan flight was from BLR-CMB. Mihin Lanka flight was from CMB-SHJ. Aircraft was an Airbus A320. The airfares are low (sometimes). They serve free food. Some in flight entertainment. Planes are clean and comfortable take off and landing very smooth Staff very friendly. However the flight was unduly delayed by half an hour. They don't provide any headphones or anything to use the IFE if it is a short haul flight. They provide free accommodation for long connection flights only if some of their criteria of booking are met which includes a high base fare and connection of over 8 hrs. For connection flights that don't meet their criteria they'll at best give you free transport to and from the airport to the hotel. I shall definitely fly Srilankan again.

Flew Colombo to Bangkok. Excellent service at check-in quickly through immigration. Flight slightly delayed. A really old A330 but SriLankan's online check-in lets you choose any seat including emergency exit seats as well. Choose 10 AB. They used to be designated Premium Economy seats so had a lot of legroom. Cabin crew excellent but let down by old hardware.

UL319 on 3 July 2013 KUL-CMB and UL318 9 July CMB-KUL. Outbound was a morning flight which was pleasant. The seats were reasonably comfortable service adequate but the meals were inedible. Departure and arrival was on time and cabin service was polite and friendly. Return flight was a night flight which left CMB at 12.55am. It was odd that we were served a meal after take off considering it was 1am in the morning. It would have been better to have switched off the lights and let all the passengers get some sleep and serve a light breakfast before landing. Crew was perfunctory and little else. Again the dinner served was inedible and IFE was limited in selection but it was only a 3.5 hour flight. Adequate all around.

Frankfurt to Colombo. Aircraft cramped and seats had very little space. I felt almost trapped in my seat being in the window. Flight was fully booked. Service was decent but no space to walk about. Toilets were half the size of other long haul flights that I have taken. I haven't flown SriLankan in a while but will definitely think twice before booking.

KUL-CMB-CDG and return. Truly a joyful experience to fly Sri Lankan. The service is excellent cabin crew very caring and regularly checked on your comfort and requirements. The A330-200 between Colombo and Paris has the lie- flat seats and it certainly makes the flight most restful.

Flew BKK-CMD-FCO-CMD-BKK business class all legs apart from CMD-FCO where I was downgraded to economy. Flight was 5 hours late causing missed flights onward. One plane had updated cabin on BKK-CMD leg. Other 3 legs were in old aircraft with ashtrays and aged fittings. Crew were good food fine and toilets clean. Silk route at CMD is terrific. I contacted the airline prior to booking and it was strongly inferred the long leg flights would have refurbished cabins. You get what you pay for I suppose.

Business class seats return flight from Bangkok to Rome via Colombo. Seats a thousand dollars lower than the nearest competitor out of Bangkok. My partner is elderly so I organised a wheelchair for Bangkok airport. That was a big help as the airport is huge. That evening the boarding gate was 1.5 km from the business lounge. Business lounge was fine plenty to drink and eat. Flight to Colombo was 3.5 hours and that passed quickly as we were served a full dinner that was excellent. There was no time really to notice the audio-visual. The seats reclined to become a very comfortable armchair. At Colombo we were taken to the Business class lounge. There was plenty to eat and drink. Escorted to the plane. On-board again it is reclining lounge chair type with footrest. Dinner was served. There were some movies but it was late at night so we slept instead. Breakfast was the best airline one we've had! Again served course by course and more if you want it. There were some movies available if you wanted. In Rome the dream comes to an end but that's Rome airport for you!

Dubai - Colombo and Colombo - Frankfurt on our return trip from Toronto - Colombo. Took another return flight from Colombo to Chennai. Food was horrible and inflight service is slipping. Older aircraft on Colombo - Frankfurt flight. Will think twice before booking SriLankan next time.

CMB-BKK outbound in economy on a refurbished A330. Interior in good condition seats new and relatively comfortable. Legroom ok boarding a bit of a joke - with a mass surge towards the walkway when boarding was announced. IFE poor but staff were friendly and attentive - responding to requests. This was a morning flight and served breakfast - western and Sri Lankan option the former which was good. Return on Business. Lounge at BKK was decent - with plentiful options of canapés and drinks. Located close to the gates that UL use. Equipment was an A330 with the new business class seat. Staff friendly and attentive. Food great - with plentiful options alcohol free-flowing. Seat comfort was good though the motors are quite noisy when adjusting the seat. IFE system was good - the joystick control to navigate screen needs to be more sensitive. Lack of noise-cancelling headphones a significant drawback - would expect this for Business class. Luggage out quickly at CMB. A pleasant 3.5hr flight with SriLankan good value-for-money and would definitely use again for short haul trips.