SriLankan Airlines

Flew Business class from CMB - Rome return on 28 August returning 9 Sep. 2 hr delay did not feel it as the lounge was very good check in process in Colombo is fantastic - VIP process for business class. Onward bucket seats return flat seats equally comfortable crew friendly. Menu great except the choice on return breakfast time was food for supper rather than breakfast! Entertainment system did not work. Boarding process in Milan quite chaotic no preference given to business class. Overall this is a business class service which is great value for money.

I used flight UL 503 Colombo to London on 12th September 2012 it was delayed by approximately 90 minutes the service provided by the cabin crew was one of the worst I have experienced I have used this Airline before and it was a much better service. The management should do something about it before it becomes too late as customers may choose one of the other Airlines which fly between London and Colombo.

Both flights outbound and inbound (UAE to Colombo) did not offer any in-flight entertainment for 4.5 hours of flight time. In fact the outbound flight from Colombo did not have TV screens in Economy class at all in business class (where I was sitting) I had screen but it was not working properly. Crew offered me a heavy Portable Media Player! It had maximum of 10 movies to select from and was annoying to keep on my lap.

DXB-CMB-DXB both legs on an Airbus A340-300. Dubai to Colombo sector on old A340-300 (4R-ADB) and must say that the ground handling agent in Dubai for UL lacks customer service for a flight with 300 plus passengers we were put in a mini gate in Dubai. Boarding was chaotic and since families were asked to board first we literally had to manoeuvre our way into the aerobridge as travelers without families were blocking the entrance and ground staff did not do much to ease the boarding process. Aircraft was worn out and looked tired my IFE did not work for the rest of the 2 hr journey no AVOD at all. Food and beverage took ages to be served and must say that the meal wasn't that tasty. Service on the other hand was alright with the usual smiling presence on-board. As for the CMB-DXB we were on the re-furbished A34-300 with new interiors and AVOD. This time food was good and so was the service. UL crew lived up to the expectations they were friendly and helpful and most importantly responded every request promptly and with a genuine smile. All in all the return leg was highly impressive. Must say that legroom wasn't a problem on both legs of the journey.

Please expect regular flight delays and cancellations. My flight from Sri Lanka to England cancelled on July 22 2012. Horrible flight options were given after keeping passengers at Katunayake airport nearly 9 hours. People were waiting since 3 am. Not even breakfast offered to passengers. I was scheduled to leave on 24th. That flight got cancelled as well. I have taken Gulf and Qatar airlines and they are better.

AUH-CLM-BKK return in C class. Yes its true UL has not the newest fleet not the most advanced seats not the best IFES but they provide what many other carriers lack; service from the heart unpretentious and warm. And their simple but very tasty food is a good break from the usual nonsense of a long list of wines and fancy food which usually does not taste that good after re-heating anyway. I rather have my good old simple curry on UL. Considering their reasonable fares in C class a good alternative to more established carrier.

Shanghai-Colombo-Shanghai. Not bad really. Food was OK although they ran out of options but you have real cutlery. Friendly cabin crew average inflight entertainment. Seats were cramped though. Both flights on time. Just a normal 3 star airline nothing fancy but good enough and better than many European/American airlines.

DXB-CMB-MLE-CMB-DXB. Average food. No IFE on return leg and it was a much older plane. Boarding both times was a fiasco as there was no control. Appeared to be no limits on cabin baggage as many on the outward leg had 4 or 5 bags. Could only do online check in on outward leg not return journey.

I regularly travel transatlantic with Delta also within Europe and USA on whichever carrier serves the route. This trip was overnight LHR to CMB. Sri Lankan knocked spots off everyone a return to what air travel used to be like. Helpfully and attentive flight attendants proper cutlery (not plastic) and wine served from a bottle into a glass rather than from a Tetrapak into a plastic cup (Delta). Airbus not in the first flush of youth but not as tired as some I've flown in. I stupidly left my Kindle on board but I emailed them and they've found it and are holding for me to pick up. Lamb Curry was the best and tastiest airline meal I've had. Recommended.

Colombo - Male - Business Class. Check-in was quick lounge in Colombo was excellent with a great selection of food wines and champagne (at 6am). We were personally escorted through security and to the gate from the lounge once ready for boarding and received a warm welcome onto the aircraft. Service was superb and personal. Food consisted of a filling breakfast (with 3 choices) and more champagne. We were asked to complete a survey and received a $15 duty free voucher as thanks for doing so. All in all superb service.