On the 27th of January, I flew with Air Serbia from Larnaca International Airport to Milano Malpensa Airport. I chose this option as it was the cheapest for the mentioned date and I wanted to experience Air Serbia several years after flying with them last time.
I paid €106 for the entire trip with check-in luggage, while the second cheapest option was with Aegean at €150 via Athens with carry-on luggage only. My trip consisted of flight JU887 at 04.10 local time from Larnaca International Airport to Belgrade, arrival at 05.50 local time operated by Air Serbia’s A319-100 AP. And the second flight, JU540, from Belgrade to Milan Malpensa Airport at 07.00 local time with arrival time of 08.45, operated by Marathon Airlines and the Embraer E175.
Interestingly, there are 10 flights per week between Larnaca and Belgrade, 8 operated by Air Serbia and 2 by Wizz Air, which puts Belgrade as the fourth most frequently served European city from Larnaca during the winter season after Athens (79 flights per week) and Thessaloniki (17/18 per week) in Greece, as well as London (all airports: 20-25 flights per week) in the UK.
My journey started in Nicosia where I took a shuttle bus to Larnaca International Airport at 00.30, and I arrived at the airport at 01.20. At that hour, only the Costa Coffee bar was open at the car park in front of the airport. When I checked the departure board, I was surprised to see that there were around thirty flights scheduled to depart that day with Air Serbia flight JU887 being the first one for the day at 04.10.
The check-in desk opened a bit over 2 hours before departure, Air Serbia had three desks: one for economy class check-in, one for business class, and one for luggage drop off for those who completed their formalities online. While waiting in line to drop off my bag that was checked through to Milan, I heard a lot of Russians and Cypriots. I must admit even though Air Serbia improved its mobile app, it is not so user-friendly when it comes to check-in and eventually when I managed to check-in it did not have the option to store boarding passes inside the app.
After checking in, I passed through passport control, which took around three minutes, and went to security, which took five minutes in total. Right after security there is a huge duty-free shop that was surprisingly open and had cheap water for €1.90, or typical Cypriot sweets for €3.50. But that was not all. After the duty-free shop, there were three shops open in the food corner, which had fresh baked food. There was also a tobacco shop. These facilities are missing at Belgrade Airport - bars/restaurants that are open, as well as greater choice.
Our flight was departing from gate 44 which had an air bridge. The aircraft arrived late at 03.50, so we departed with a 20-minute delay. Overall, I liked Larnaca Airport, it is nice, spacious, and with a lot of seating areas, as well as good food options.
Larnaca to Belgrade
The reason for the delay was not given, but when the boarding process was completed, the captain welcomed passengers and provided information about the flight. As I was amongst the last to board, I saw that out of the twelve business class seats, seven were occupied. Generally, few seats were left unoccupied, and I would say the load factor was around 90%. My seat was 14C. There was enough legroom, but the seat was unconformable and the recline was not working. Another minus from my side were the cheap material used for the headrest. However, the plane was clean.
During the safety demo, a recorded announcement was played. The cabin crew were friendly and smiled all the time. Right after we reached cruising attitude, the complimentary meal was served, consisting of a sandwich with chicken and a small bottle of water. I was surprised by this because I was not expecting it, and the sandwich was not bad. Few months earlier I flew with Iberia from Madrid to Munich, which was a bit over three hours and we were not offered even a glass of water.
We landed in Belgrade with a 20 minute delay, and I heard one Cypriot passenger, who seems to frequently fly with Air Serbia, say to her friend that the flight is usually late by 20 minutes and that she hopes to make her connection to Amsterdam.
We disembarked via the air bridge. At the exit there was a guy at the door indicating where transfer passengers should go, but to my surprise he did not ask for people to show their boarding passes for their next flight. Hopefully this changes so the incident from a few weeks ago, when transfer and arriving passengers got mixed up, does not occur again.
Belgrade to Milan
The gate for my next flight was C10. On my way to it, I stopped by the transfer desk to ask whether my bag would be automatically moved to my next flight, and they assured me that it would happen. However, it did not happen, as I will explain below.
Between the two flights, I had almost one hour, partly because the flight to Milan was delayed by about 20 minutes. Before boarding, holders of non-EU and non-Serbian passports were called up for a document check, and there were around 20 people.
The cabin crew welcomed us with a smile, and the captain greeted us after boarding was completed. I had seat 21A, and there was enough legroom. I noticed that the flight was full, with around a 95% load, and I heard various languages being spoken, including Italian, Russian, Chinese, Greek (two guys who were also on my previous flight), etc. A recording of the safety instructions was played. After reaching cruising altitude, a crew member offered a small bottle of water and Neoblice cookies, which was a nice touch for a one and a half hour flight.
We arrived with a delay of 20 minutes at one of my favourite airports, as it is super easy to navigate, and it offers stunning views of the Alps during takeoff and landing. However, what seemed like a nice experience turned into a bit of an agony.
After passing passport control, where I waited for about 20-25 minutes (not too long for Malpensa airport), I had an unpleasant experience. My bag did not appear on the carousel. After waiting for 20 minutes and seeing no luggage showing up, and with no one else waiting, plus being among the last ones from my flight that passed passport control, I went to the lost & found.
There, I saw nine other passengers from my flight in line - eight Russians and one Italian. In short, I waited in line for one and a half hours to fill out the complaint form. The desk officer informed me that this happens too often with Air Serbia when it comes to connecting flights via Belgrade. I received my luggage after four days.
I genuinely hope that Air Serbia improves this aspect of the journey because everything else went smoothly without any problems. The luggage experience could have been avoided in my opinion. I would understand if this happened in a scenario with only 20 minutes between flights, but with one hour between them, it seems a bit unprofessional. Waiting for my bag for a full four days also seems excessively long, considering there is at least one flight per day from Belgrade to Malpensa. I would also like to add that Air Serbia's Facebook page was quick in responding to my questions and was helpful.
To conclude, I am happy to see that Air Serbia is developing, being used by Cypriots for transferring to Western Europe, that the cabin crew are always smiling and friendly but there is a long path to becoming a bigger player and I really hope that they will succeed.
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'Hopefully this changes so the incident from a few weeks ago, when transfer and arriving passengers got mixed up, does not occur again.'
ReplyDeleteIt won't because flights from safe destinations are connected to the airport without security. There is one gate, I think C9 or C10 which has the security control on the upper floor. That is where flights from non safe destinations go.
Issue with the SKP flight was that the bus driver and the airport employee failed to do their job and to follow clearly written instructions.
I flew on KL a few weeks ago and we had a 90 minute connection in AMS. My bag did not arrive for another three days and KL has two flights per day to BEG plus JU. Happens all around.
Yes, Cyprus is a safe destination, hence no additional security screening.
DeleteCyprus is a safe destination but still people should at least show their boarding pass to staff to make sure nobody gets to transit zone unnecessarily?
Delete*shout
Delete@13.46 do you realize not all transfer passengers have an onward boarding pass when they arrive at their transfer destination?There is no airport in the world where you are required to show your boarding pass when you get off the plane. The incident a few weeks ago happened because there was no staff at the door and people just took the wrong exit (even though there is clear signange). It didn't happen because someone didn't show their boarding pass.
DeleteTrue.
DeleteCongrats to the head of network and fleet management at JU for introducing Embraers into the fleet. I think his/her move saved this winter season at JU. A full E75 to MXP would be a half empty A319.
ReplyDeleteAnd how does introductoon of wet leased planes actually saves the winter season? :))))
DeleteBecause even if they are wet leased they are cheaper and smaller. Embraers have been fantastic on routes where A319 is too big in winter. For example 90 passengers to Milan on E90 is very good while it's not that good on A319. Air Serbia managed to save many routes from downgrades thanks to the Embraers.
DeleteE-jet is especially popular on regional destinations. Yesterday E75 flew twice to IST!
+1
DeleteI used to work with Bojan before I quit JU after many years. He's fantastic and a true golden asset to JU.
It's thanks to him JU started flying to places like KRR. :)
@anon 10.40 So you say that JU would earn less or rather lose more money flying 90 passangers with leased A319 and own crew rather than wet leased E175?
DeleteIndeed, same number of passengers, one less crew on the E75 compared to the A319 and less fuel burned. Also the E75 is lighter so they are charged less by the airport.
DeleteIs there maybe an airline insider who can give us an estimate for this? So Belgrade-Milan, 90 pax, own crew on dry leased A319 vs wet lease of E175. What is cheaper for an airline and if there is JU insider what is cheaper for JU?
DeleteI don't think you need a JU insider to give you an answer. If JU is doing it then it makes economic sense. There is a reason why they kept the E75 for winter and summer. It's a good aircraft for them that helps them operate routes where A319 is just too big.
DeleteAs we speak E75 is on its way to FRA.
The mere fact that someone is flying certain aircraft does not mean it it economically viable. There might be other interest to do it.
DeleteSome airlines maybe but not JU. They are very sensitive when it comes to these things.
DeleteMany airlines used E75 to grow. Just look at what that plane did for LO's network.
Such a good report,well done picture of Belgrade airport from plane it's outstanding. I fly with Wizz last week form Belgrade to Larnaca and back, was good and Wizz as usual "charge everything" airport check in 3.200 din about 23.00 euros,but overall was good experience.
ReplyDeleteWizz is killing it in LCA. These are the loads for today's flight:
DeleteBEG-LCA 166/186 (LF 89%)
LCA-BEG 156/186 (LF 84%)
Not bad for this time of the year.
The lf would have been worse if the A321s remained.
DeleteLF might have been the same had the A321 stayed as there would be a lot more seats at lower fares to sell.
DeleteIt's unbelievable how prices dropped in the Milan sector when Wizz entered the route. Earlier it wasn't possible to find fares below 150 euros, and now there are tickets for 80 euros
ReplyDeleteWell competition will do that to a certain market. Wizz Air is also not cheap on routes where they are alone.
DeleteCompetition is the key! JU would be charging 700-800 to Larnaca in summer! However with wizz both stay at reasonable 300-400.
DeleteWizz is summer is rarely less than 30.000 RSD one way so around €500 without luggage return. JU can be cheaper on the night flights, around €300.
DeleteYup last summer it was really expensive with both companies. Tiur operators tend to buy most of tickets. Last year I flew in early June and managed to buy ticket on sale for 125 return with luggage included!
DeleteWhat is completely idiotic is why they are not adding more flights if they are full? Like this they are ripping people off. Obviously its a popular destination. With Wizz cuts I think prices will be even higher. JU will be out of control with their pricing.
DeleteI took a look at JU fares to LCA in June and daytime flights are selling NOW for 18.000 to 25.000 one way! Night flights are still around 10.000.
DeleteNaturally JU did not respond when Wizz reduced LCA this summer.
"What is completely idiotic is why they are not adding more flights if they are full? Like this they are ripping people off."
DeleteYou're asking why a company prefers to charge higher prices for a smaller number of tickets rather than lower prices for a larger number of tickets? 🤔
Yes because it makes no sense to limit itself like that. Higher ticket prices limit the market and create opportunities for their competition to step in. Market is obviously there and they would make more money with more passengers and slightly lower fares. Just ask Ryanair.
DeleteWhich competitor to step in?! Wizz does not have planes. EasyJet never developed operations from Belgrade. Ryan is prevented from entering the market
DeleteStop talking nonsense. An airport not giving everything for free to Ryanair does not mean they are prevented from entering the market, not to mention your comment is completely false considering Ryanair flies to Serbia. Stick to facts rather than made up fairytales that suit your agenda.
DeleteCyprus Airways, TUS or even Aegean can launch LCA-BEG if JU and W6 are not adding enough flights to meet demand.
Delete@15.52 Ryanair flies to many airports comparable in size to Belgrade, for example Bologna. So if airport in one of the reachest regions of Europe can offer Ryan a good deal so could have done Belgrade airport even 15 years ago.
Delete^ I'm telling you that no one is blocking them and if they want they could base 10 planes in BEG tomorrow and operate flights to any ECAA destination. So you are talking nonsense.
DeleteRyanair can start flying tomorrow from BEG as long as they pay what others are paying. They are big in BLQ because no one else was rushing to be a major player there.
DeleteSN Brussels is also based in one of Europe's richest regions yet the airline is perpetually loss-making. Heck even FR is sticking to CRL.
Main aim of the Serbian state should be for Serbian citizens to fly as cheap as possible to as many destinations as possible. If Ryan can have 70+ destinations from Bologna in could surely have 87+ from Belgrade :)
Delete^ no that shouldn't be the main aim of any government. Flying isn't a public service or charity. If Ryanair wants to come, they can
DeleteNo. The main aim of the Serbian government should not be that. Their aim must be to create a healthy business environment so that BEG can be like BLQ where both FR and EK fly from since people can afford to travel without chasing the cheapest deal out there.
DeleteYes perhaps if Serbia had a population of 60 million like Italy and was one of the most visited countries on earth it would be possible. Some people live in a fairyland with nonsensical comparisons, just to feed the need to constantly complain about something
DeleteOn a side note, Italian population dropped below 60 million!
DeleteRIX tried to have a legacy and two LCCs and it didn't work out in the end. SOF tried as well and now FB is pathetic and Wizz is struggling.
Vert few markets can sustain this. BEG is fine with a JU-W6 combo.
Anon 15:49 "Ryan is prevented from entering the market "
DeleteAre you okay? Rhetorical question of course.
"Ryan is prevented from entering the market"
DeleteRyanair can stary flying to London Heathrow if they want. Nothing stops them from buying slots. But if you know a thing about Ryan, they don't want that. They want airports to give them great deals to start service. Just because LHR and BEG don't offer them does not mean they are being prevented.
Typical FR. They want better conditions than the rest so that they can undercut their competition. When they kill them they will be like you see how great we are. Airport is then stuck with lower income. That is why no airport wants to rely only on FR.
Deleteby the way, LCA-VIE has in winter 11 flights per week: OS 7, FR 2, W4 2
ReplyDeleteWrong.
DeleteOS has 6 weekly with no flights on Tuesdays.
FR doesn't fly to LCA but to PFO.
Plus W6 is suspending VIE-LCA from April to the end of June.
DeleteOuch!
FR: VIE-LCA 2 weekly,
DeleteVIE-PFO 2 weekly
OS: VIE LCA, daily in winter, double daily in summer
Austrian Airlines doesn't fly on Tuesdays so it's 6 weekly in winter.
DeleteSometimes they don't, sometimes they do:
DeleteOS 832 1345 LCA VIE 1725 1950 0 01MAR24 08MAR24 321 3:25
OS 832 267 LCA VIE 1725 1950 0 02MAR24 05MAR24 320 3:25
Pleasant read, thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes, delayed and missing luggage happens all the time with Air Serbia. I avoid them nowadays because of it.
ReplyDeleteIt has to do with the ground handler in Belgrade, ie the airport. Thankfully Air Serbia gets a new ground handler in 13 days.
DeleteI guess they don't feel your absence given their growth of passenger numbers
DeleteThey are growing because more and more people are trying them out, many for the very first time. The imperative is to keep these passengers coming back in the future.
DeleteI keep on coming back as a happy customer.
DeleteAlways late ...worst than JAT at the time especially since JAT was not losing luggage in numbers as they do today. I simply do not fly them anymore because of delays.
DeleteI travel regularly between Italy and Serbia. Unfortunatelly, there is almost never a JU flight where everything is done right - either they don't oppn check in counters on time, or there is no separate check in for priority passangers, or they are delayed, or luggage issues... not to mention a horror of checking in at Belgrade airport.
DeleteThe "horror". Jesus Christ...
DeleteWhy don't you fly on Wizz Air or on Austrian Airlines via Vienna if JU is so, so bad?
Delete@15.54 JU Check in at Belgrade airport is indeed still horror. Last summer it was a complete disaster. Now it is bit better, but many times they don't have a designated baggage drop off counters working and make you wait in line for 45+ min even if you already checked-in online. Stop deffending JU at all cost, use your energy to make that company improve its service. :)
Delete^ I'm not defending them at all :) especially since they don't even manage their check in. But your drama queen language is laughable.
DeleteLuggage drop off at JU is on the right side, in summer between the regular check-in and the charter one. :)
DeleteUsed to be, now they make you wait the same line with people who did not check in online. At least it was like that on 8 January. Maybe they managed to get their act together :)
DeleteBtw if you are flying Wizz there is also no luggage drop off. Same with Air France-KLM. Seems like it's not a JU thing but a BEG thing.
DeleteAnonymous18:31
DeleteYes, it is BEG things seems becuase as it is written there was in text, in Larnaca there was special desk for those who have done check-in online.
Very good trip report.
ReplyDeleteThat fare is ridiculously low 🤯
ReplyDeleteI agree, especially if you see that with AirSerbia you cannot fly from Belgrade to Milan for less then €90, or I am just unlucky.
DeleteI'm sorry but 90 euros for a P2P flight on a hybrid carrier is ridicolously cheap too. Try finding FRA-MXP on Lufthansa for 90 euros.
Deleteanonymous19:21 Actually I did. I had flight with Ita Airways Milano Linate-Frankfurt for €78
DeleteGreat, I'm talking about MXP.
Delete90 euros is really cheap. Some people seem to think the airline should pay them to fly.
DeleteThere is a reason why ITA reported €600 million in losses. Fares like yours are a great example of that. JU on the other hand doesn't sell O&D fares for peanuts the same way Aegean, Turkish Airlines, LOT or KLM don't.
Delete