TRIP REPORT: Europe trip, ITA, LOT and Air Serbia

TRIP REPORT

Written by jsg

I started writing this report at Belgrade Airport while waiting for my flight to Tivat. Although Belgrade wasn’t originally part of my trip, things took an unexpected turn, and I ended up spending a night in the Serbian capital. But the whole story began a year earlier, when I booked my first flight from Szczecin to Tirana via Warsaw. Gradually, I added more segments to the journey, and voilà - the June durnolot was set. Months passed, and finally, it was time to begin my summer adventure.

The first leg of the journey was on the EIC train Chrobry (named after the first king of Poland), which departed from Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) station right on time at 17:57. During the trip, I visited the restaurant car, where I enjoyed a delicious selection of traditional Polish dishes. While having dinner and a cup of tea (56 PLN in total), I watched the landscape glide by as the train sped through Wielkopolska and Pomorze Zachodnie - two of Poland’s historic regions. After 4.5 hours, the train arrived punctually at its final destination, Szczecin Główny, at 22:21.

Szczecin. Strategically located on the Oder River, Szczecin has a long and complex history. Traces of human settlement in the area date back to the 7th century BC. Over the centuries, the city came under the rule of various powers, including the Vikings, the Duchy of Pomerania, Sweden, Prussia, and Germany. Following World War II, Szczecin became part of Poland.

The city presents a unique blend of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic churches and Baroque palaces to modernist post-war buildings. Recent infrastructure upgrades and the redevelopment of the waterfront have transformed Szczecin’s image. Some urbanists even compare it to Paris, thanks to its similar urban layout. Wide boulevards, star-shaped squares, and expansive green spaces reflect the influence of 19th-century city planning. It is believed that the renowned Prussian architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann, best known for redesigning Paris, also contributed to Szczecin’s development during that period.

Szczecin’s Old Town reflects the city’s rich and layered history. A distinctive blend of historic architecture and modern development tells a story that spans centuries, from the minimalist elegance of Gothic structures and the ornate flourishes of the Baroque period to contemporary buildings that thoughtfully respect the historical fabric of the city. Due to its proximity to the German border, German is widely spoken alongside Polish, making Szczecin an ideal day-trip destination for visitors from Germany.

One of Szczecin’s lesser-known but much-loved curiosities is a local fast-food delicacy known as pasztecik szczeciński (the Szczecin pâté). Linguistically, pasztecik is a diminutive of pasztet (pâté), but for food lovers, it’s something entirely different: a deep-fried yeast dough pastry filled with savoury ingredients. The classic version is stuffed with minced meat, though vegetarian options with sauerkraut and dried mushrooms, or cheese and champignons, are also popular. Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and just greasy enough to be indulgent, because let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of grease now and then?

I usually go for the classic meat version (6.50 PLN), paired with a mug of beetroot borscht (5.00 PLN), the perfect companion to this hearty snack. The history of this local specialty dates back to 1969, when the first pasztecik bistro opened on Wojska Polskiego Street. Interestingly, Soviet army machinery was repurposed to produce the pastries quickly and efficiently. In 2010, pasztecik szczeciński was officially added to the EU’s list of traditional Polish products. To bear the name, it must be prepared according to strict guidelines. The original bistro, aptly named Bar Pasztecik, is still in operation today. Its interior, including colourful wall mosaics, remains largely unchanged since the late 1960s, offering not just a taste of Szczecin’s culinary heritage, but a nostalgic step back in time.

LO3932 Szczecin - Warsaw

Szczecin Airport, officially named after the Solidarity movement of the 1980s, is located near the town of Goleniów, about 45 kilometres northeast of Szczecin. It’s accessible by car, bus, or train. I opted for the train, with a ticket costing 18.20 PLN. My journey began at Szczecin Główny (Main Station) at 06:15, and 49 minutes later, I arrived at the airport stop - a short walk from the terminal building. The railway line to the airport branches off from the main route connecting Szczecin with the seaside town of Kołobrzeg. Upon arrival, the train changes direction and either returns to Szczecin or continues on to Kołobrzeg.

Check-in was already open at desks 8 and 9, with only a handful of passengers waiting. I made my way to desk 9 and placed my luggage on the scale. “Is Tirana your final destination?” the check-in agent asked. I nodded. “OK, your luggage is checked through to Tirana. However, the conveyor belt is currently out of order. You’ll need to take your bag and drop it off next door, near the security control area”, she explained. Following her instructions, I lifted my bag and brought it to the adjacent manual drop-off point near security.

With time to spare, I stopped at a small café near the check-in area and ordered a cup of Earl Grey tea for 14.90 PLN. The airport’s interior feels like a time capsule from the late 1990s - not surprising, given that the current terminal was inaugurated in 2001. There are, apparently, plans in place to upgrade the terminal in the near future.

After a brief security check, no more than five minutes, I proceed to the departure hall, which is gradually filling with passengers for both my flight and a charter to Antalya, scheduled to depart at 09:25. While waiting for boarding to begin, I watch the arrival of flight LO3931 from Warsaw, which lands at 08:18, eight minutes behind schedule. Boarding for my flight begins promptly at 08:30 at gate 4. After my boarding pass is checked, I walk out to the parked aircraft, located just a short stroll from the terminal.

Today’s flight is operated by a 14-year-old Embraer ERJ-195LR, registered SP-LNB. Upon boarding, I’m greeted by a member of the cabin crew, who also distributes sanitising wipes. I make my way to my assigned seat, 2C. The flight is busy, though a few single seats remain unoccupied, including the one next to me. The route between Szczecin and Warsaw is among the most popular domestic connections in Poland, with around 25 flights operating weekly between the two cities.

Boarding is completed swiftly. The captain and purser welcome us on board, and the safety demonstration is performed in both Polish and English. After a short taxi, we take off at 09:05. I’m relieved to be airborne at last. Sitting comfortably, I start to wonder whether I’ll make my connecting flight in Warsaw, my layover is just 35 minutes, and I still need to pass through passport control, as my onward journey takes me outside the Schengen zone. The cabin is clean and pleasant, and the legroom is decent, perfectly adequate for this short domestic hop.

After reaching cruising altitude, the two female cabin crew members begin the inflight service, offering a complimentary snack typical for domestic flights: a 60-gram blueberry bun and a choice of still or sparkling water.

The flight to Warsaw takes just 44 minutes. En route, we pass over the towns of Piła and Włocławek, following the course of the Vistula River. Shortly before arrival, the aircraft performs a U-turn and then lands smoothly at Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin Airport. After a brief taxi, we park directly in front of the terminal, where an airbridge is promptly attached for disembarkation.

Flight statistics

LF: 90 %

Distance: 438 kms (237 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 08:50/09:05

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 09:55/09:49

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 05 min/0 h 44 min

LO597 Warsaw - Tirana

After disembarking the aircraft, I proceed to the non-Schengen zone of Warsaw Airport. Suddenly, I notice someone I had already passed holding a sign with “Tirana” printed on it. I turn back and inform the airport staff that I am traveling to the Albanian capital. After cross-checking my boarding pass and passport, they instruct me to follow them. I comply and, using the crew lane, bypass the queue. I’m then directed to the passport control desk, where my documents are checked. Finally, the airport staff escort me to gate 24, which has been assigned for the flight to Tirana.

Boarding begins at 10:10. I wait until the queue shortens before making my way to the gate. When I scan my boarding pass, I hear an unexpected beep, and the screen displays a “seating issue”. “You’ll be assigned a new seat”, the gate agent informs me, handing over a revised boarding pass. “You’ve been upgraded to business class. Your new seat is 1A”, he adds. “I’m very happy with this development, thank you”, I reply with a smile and quickly proceed to the aircraft via the airbridge.

The flight to Tirana is operated by a 13.7-year-old Embraer ERJ-190STD, registered SP-LNB. Earlier that morning, the aircraft completed its first segment from Dusseldorf to Warsaw as flight LO406, arriving at 09:03, just three minutes behind schedule. On board, I’m welcomed by a member of the cabin crew and take my seat in 1A. The flight is full in both economy and business class. Although the seat next to me, along with several others in the business cabin, remains empty, these seats were never sold and were intentionally blocked off.

Seated comfortably, I listen to the welcome announcements from the captain and purser, followed by the safety demonstration in Polish and English. As we begin taxiing, I look out the window, watching the terminal building and parked aircraft glide past until we line up for takeoff.

At 10:55, we finally take off and head south toward Krakow.

After reaching cruising altitude, a cabin crew member asks me to open the tray table and places a tablecloth on it, followed by the complimentary meal service. The offering includes tender slices of Żywiecka chicken sausage served with cottage cheese, Camembert cheese, and a fruit salad with mango and watermelon. A selection of bread follows, and I opt for a croissant.

Once the tray is cleared, the crew offers a choice of hot and cold beverages. I select a cup of tea with lemon and a bottle of sparkling white wine, Pierre Larousse Blanc de Blancs Brut. While sipping my drink, I flip through Kaleidoscope, the in-flight magazine, and read with interest an article about Thessaloniki, a newly launched route by LOT. I plan to try it in February 2026, with the following itinerary: Rzeszow - Warsaw - Thessaloniki.

After passing Krakow, we fly over the Slovak city of Banská Bystrica, the Hungarian town of Szeged, and then the Serbian city of Novi Sad. Shortly after, the captain makes an announcement, informing us that we are now in Serbian airspace, approaching Belgrade, and that we are expected to land in Tirana ahead of schedule.

Meanwhile, the cabin crew offers a selection of sweet and savoury snacks. I choose a 15-gram pack of pizza-flavoured cashews, which pair surprisingly well with the sparkling wine.

After passing the Serbian capital, we continue southeast toward Podgorica, entering Albanian airspace near the settlement of Selcë. From there, we descend toward Mother Teresa Airport in Tirana, where we land at 12:27.

After landing, we taxi to a remote parking stand, passing the main terminal building along the way. It takes a few minutes for the two mobile stairways to be positioned, after which we’re allowed to disembark. A bus parked nearby takes us to the terminal.

Following a short ride, we’re dropped off at the terminal entrance and proceed through passport control. Since I hold a biometric passport, I’m able to use the automated e-gates. There’s no queue, and the process is quick and seamless. At baggage belt 4, I collect my suitcase and head outside to the bus stop located in front of the terminal. The bus ticket now costs 400 ALL and can conveniently be purchased online. I arrive in Tirana city centre about an hour later, slightly delayed by heavy traffic on the dual carriageway leading into the Albanian capital.

Flight statistics

LF: 100 %

Distance: 1199 kms (647 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 10:30/10:55

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 12:40/12:27

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 2h 10 min/1 h 32 min

Tirana. The era of Albanian isolation is long gone. Today, the capital, Tirana, is a colourful and vibrant city that draws an increasingly international crowd. Skanderbeg Square, adorned with the iconic socialist-realist mosaic on the façade of the National Historical Museum, remains one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

I enjoy returning to Tirana. With each visit, I see how the city continues to evolve. New buildings are rapidly springing up around the square, each seemingly taller than the last. Not long ago, the well-known Hotel International was the tallest building, not just in Tirana, but in all of Albania. Today, it is overshadowed by a growing skyline of modern towers in a bold array of shapes and colours, reflecting the capital’s leap into the future.

One of my favourite activities in Tirana is simply strolling through the city. I particularly enjoy walking past the green spaces and brightly coloured buildings that house government offices, hotels, restaurants, small shops, and countless cafés. These cafés invite passersby to pause for a coffee and enjoy the cool, air-conditioned interiors, a welcome escape from the heat of a June day in Tirana. Coffee is a deeply ingrained part of daily life here, a tradition inherited from the Ottoman era. Yet today, it’s Italy that seems to exert the most visible influence. Italian cuisine is everywhere, supermarket shelves are filled with Italian products, and at times it’s even difficult to find local alternatives. This affinity for Italy likely has its roots in Albania’s past, during the years of isolation, Italy (and to some extent, Greece) represented an aspirational vision of the West. For many Albanians, Italian culture embodied freedom, style, and prosperity, everything that was missing under communism.

One of the most visible reminders of Albania’s isolationist past is the network of bunkers scattered across the country. Built under the rule of communist leader Enver Hoxha, they were designed to protect against a feared invasion by foreign enemies. Thousands were constructed. In Tirana, several bunkers remain, originally built to shield key government buildings from external or even internal threats. Today, they’ve become some of the city’s most photographed landmarks, repurposed as museums and tourist sites, offering a stark, tangible reminder of Albania’s Cold War past.

AZ507 Tirana - Rome Fiumicino.

I wake up at 2:30 a.m., pack my bag, and leave the hotel. It takes just a few minutes to reach the departure bus stop, located behind the Opera House in Tirana. A dated Mercedes minibus is already waiting, slowly filling with passengers. Soon, every seat is taken. The driver walks through the bus, checking or selling tickets, which cost 400 ALL.

Just before departure, a group of four Italian tourists arrives. Two of them manage to grab the last available seats, while the remaining two, after a brief exchange with the driver, are allowed to stand for the journey. A few minutes past 3:00 a.m., we leave the city centre, gliding through Tirana’s empty streets. With virtually no traffic, we arrive at the airport just over 20 minutes later.

Despite the early hour, the terminal is surprisingly busy. Many passengers are already queuing to complete check-in. This is partly because online check-in is often unavailable for flights departing from Tirana, or, even if it is, passengers are still required to report to the check-in counter. In my case, I was only able to check in online for the second leg of my journey, from Rome to Palermo. Online check-in for the Tirana - Rome segment was disabled.

Check-in for flight AZ507 is already open, with a long queue forming at desks 7 and 8. The line moves slowly, as some passengers require additional documentation checks. It takes nearly 30 minutes to reach the counter. When it’s finally my turn, the agent verifies my reservation and passport, tags my luggage through to Palermo, and hands me two boarding passes - for both segments of my trip via Rome Fiumicino.

Security and passport control are quick and efficient; I pass through both in under 10 minutes, using the automated e-gates. With plenty of time before boarding, I head to the food court on the upper level of the terminal. I order a café macchiato (240 ALL) and a spinach burek (330 ALL), which turns out to be surprisingly crispy and delicious.

After finishing my small breakfast, I make my way back down to the ground floor, where the departure gates are located. Gate G4 has been assigned for flight AZ507. Originally, my trip to Palermo was booked on flight AZ585 to Rome Fiumicino, scheduled to depart at 11:30 and arrive at 12:55, with a connecting flight, AZ1779 to Palermo, departing at 15:20 and arriving at 16:30. However, after AZ585 was cancelled, I was rebooked on an earlier morning connection.

Boarding for my flight begins as scheduled at 05:05. It appears to be a full flight, with many passengers already gathered near the gate. After my boarding pass is scanned, I step outside and wait for the shuttle bus, which soon arrives to take us to the aircraft parked at a remote stand.

The bus drops us off at an Airbus A320-216, registered EI-DSZ. It’s the third and final bus transfer for this flight. Boarding takes place via both the front and rear stairways. Since my seat, 27F, is located at the rear of the aircraft, I board through the back door and quickly settle in. The cabin is indeed busy, with most seats occupied. Luckily, the passenger assigned to the seat next to me moves to the row in front, leaving the adjacent seat empty.

Once seated comfortably, I watch the safety demonstration, delivered by an all-male cabin crew—first in Italian, then in English. As we begin taxiing, I glance out the window, watching as we make our way to the runway threshold. At 05:46, we take off, climbing steadily and heading west toward the Albanian coast.

After reaching cruising altitude, the cabin crew begins the onboard service. Each passenger is offered a small 23-gram pack of Croccante Cannolo di Riso, crispy rice crackers filled with chocolate and hazelnut crème, along with a choice of soft drinks, tea, or coffee.

The cabin interior is clean and pleasant, and the aircraft appears to have undergone a recent retrofit. However, the legroom is quite limited; even for someone of shorter height, I feel rather cramped between the rows.

The flight is smooth, and time passes quickly. After flying past the Albanian coastal town of Durres, we head across the Adriatic Sea toward Italy, passing over the city of Bari. We then continue over Latina before reaching Rome. After flying past the city, the aircraft performs a U-turn and begins its descent into Rome Fiumicino Airport, where we land at 06:36. A lengthy taxi follows, taking us past the apron in front of Terminal 3, where we finally come to a stop.

Disembarkation is via the front stairs. We exit the aircraft through an airbridge, only to head downstairs to a waiting bus outside. The bus then transfers us to the non-Schengen arrivals area of the terminal.

Flight statistics

LF: 97 %

Distance: 624 kms (337 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 05:35/05:46

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 07:00/06:36

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 25 min/0 h 50 min

AZ 1777 Rome Fiumicino - Palermo

IInside the terminal, I check the display to see which gate has been assigned for my next flight and follow the signs for gates in Terminal 1, specifically those in area A. Before reaching them, I pass through an additional security screening, followed by passport control. Both procedures are quick and efficient, and I soon find myself in the Schengen departure hall. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, some passengers rush toward their gates, others are already queuing, while a few take the opportunity to relax.

I arrive at gate A33 at around 07:45 and wait for the gate announcement. Boarding for flight AZ1777 begins a few minutes before 07:50 and is organized by groups. Groups 3 and 4 are called first. I check my boarding pass, I'm in group 3, so it's my turn to board. After scanning my pass, I proceed down the airbridge to the waiting aircraft, an Airbus A220-300 registered EI-HHS, which had earlier operated flight AZ1312 from Bologna.

On board, I’m greeted by a member of the cabin crew and make my way to my assigned seat, located in the very last row. Boarding is still in progress, and the cabin gradually fills with passengers, mostly an international crowd of tourists from across the globe, all en route to the Sicilian capital. The aircraft, less than a year old, has a clean and modern interior, enhanced by decorative coloured lighting along the ceiling. Despite the aircraft’s newness, the legroom is quite limited, and once again I feel uncomfortably squeezed between the rows.

Boarding is completed, and the all-female cabin crew prepares to perform the safety demonstration, delivered in both Italian and English. Once it’s done, we’re ready for departure. After pushback, we taxi to the runway and take off at 08:47, heading south.

After reaching cruising altitude, the crew offers a selection of cold soft drinks. I ask for a cup of still water and a Coke Zero. No snacks are offered on this flight, perhaps a standard policy on this and other domestic routes.

The flight is smooth. I glance out the window, but there’s little to see aside from the endless blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea, at least until we begin approaching the Sicilian coast. Just before reaching our destination, the aircraft performs a U-turn and lands at Palermo Airport.

Following a short taxi, we park in front of the terminal, where an airbridge is promptly attached for disembarkation. After exiting the aircraft, I head to baggage reclaim and wait only a few minutes before my suitcase arrives on belt 2.

Reunited with my luggage, I follow the signs to the train station located beneath the terminal. Along the way, I stop at the vending machines, only one out of three is working. A ticket to the city centre costs €6.80, and I’m fortunate to catch the 10:26 train service to Palermo Centrale.

Flight statistics

LF: 100 %

Distance: 409 kms (211 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 08:20/08:47

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 09:25.09:31

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 05 min/0 h 44 min

Palermo. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the capital of Sicily is a city of contrasts: chaotic yet enchanting, ancient yet modern, traditional yet progressive. This unique fusion is visible in its streets, its architecture, and the daily rhythms of life. Palermo lies at a cultural crossroads, where Greek, Roman, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences have all left their mark. Sun-drenched piazzas and narrow alleys remain quiet during the day, only to come alive at night with vibrant energy. As the sun sets, locals fill cafés, bistros, and restaurants, enjoying their evening meals over a glass of wine and animated conversation. The city’s impressive marina sparkles under the Mediterranean sky, showcasing everything from modest fishing boats to luxury yachts.

Wandering through the tight network of streets, I mostly encounter tourists, while locals stay hidden from the midday heat in their air-conditioned homes. As in many Italian towns, lines of drying laundry stretch lazily across alleyways. I meander through these winding streets, some buzzing with market stalls selling everything and nothing, others lined with small eateries that tempt me to pause. Eventually, the narrow paths lead to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Palermo Cathedral, officially known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta.

Originally built in 1185 by the Normans, the cathedral has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, reflecting the shifting styles of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical design. There are several ways to explore the site, but I opt to visit the roof terrace (€7.00). Following the signs through the cathedral, I find myself near the altar. Behind it, a small door leads to a narrow spiral staircase that opens onto the rooftop. From there, a magnificent panoramic view of Palermo unfolds—its domes, terracotta rooftops, and the surrounding mountains form a postcard-perfect scene, capturing the essence of this vibrant, sun-soaked city.

I have no fixed plans for Palermo. Maybe it’s the heat, or perhaps I’ve absorbed the locals’ unhurried rhythm of life, where no one seems in a rush. Following the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, I wander aimlessly through the Old Town and along the marina, stopping now and then for a cup of strong Italian espresso or a quick snack. Because really, why hurry, when you’re finally on your long-awaited durnolot?

JU459 Palermo - Belgrade

After breakfast, I return to my hotel room, finish packing my suitcase, and check how to get to the main train station. I need to take bus 107, which terminates at Palermo Centrale. The nearest stop is approximately 400 meters from the hotel, and it only takes a few minutes to walk there. The bus arrives on time, and the interior is pleasantly cool, a welcome contrast to the heat outside. After validating my ticket (€1.40), I take a seat and watch the streets of Palermo pass by. There are nine intermediate stops before we arrive at the final one: Stazione Centrale Balsamo, located near the train station.

The station is relatively quiet and not too crowded. I quickly check the departure board and make my way to platform 10.

The train departs on time. The journey to the airport takes approximately 50 minutes. Today seems to be my lucky day, according to an onboard announcement, a general strike by railway staff is scheduled to begin tomorrow afternoon, and most services are expected to be affected. I arrive at the airport station on time and head to the check-in area on the first floor. A short queue has already formed (which later grows considerably), but check-in has yet to start. Initially, only desk #31 is open. After about 20 minutes, a second agent arrives at desk #30. When it’s my turn, I place my suitcase on the scale and hand over my passport. The agent checks the screen and says, “Your luggage is checked through to Tivat, but I can only issue a boarding pass to Belgrade. You’ll need to collect your second boarding pass there”.

A bit surprised, I take my passport and boarding card and step away from the desk, still wondering why I couldn’t receive the second boarding pass, perhaps a system limitation? I contemplate this as I take the escalator to the second floor, where the security screening area is located. Before going through, I stop at the observation deck to take a few photos for this trip report.

After a quick security check, I enter the departure hall and begin searching for a place to get coffee. The main café is bustling with a long queue, so I look around for another option. A sign points toward the gates on the ground floor, “OK, let’s try there”, I think. Bingo. There’s a small café tucked beside what’s labeled the “bus gate.” I order a double espresso (€2.80) and a bottle of Coca-Cola Zero (€3.90). As I place the bottle on the counter, I notice it’s labeled 450 ml, rather than the usual 500 ml. Shrinkflation is alive and well across Europe, no country seems immune.

Leaving shrinkflation behind, I head back upstairs and make my way toward passport control. There’s no queue, an unexpected but welcome surprise. As the border officer checks my passport, he looks up and asks, “Belgrado?” I nod. He returns my passport, and I proceed into the non-Schengen departure area, a compact space near gates A22 and A23.

While waiting for my flight, I watch the arrival of flight JU458 from Belgrade. The aircraft touches down smoothly at 13:57 and comes to a stop at a remote stand after a brief taxi. The flight is 12 minutes behind schedule, and I begin to wonder whether we’ll depart on time, especially since my connection in Belgrade is just 45 minutes, which could be tight if there are further delays.

Boarding begins just before 14:30, and passengers are invited to proceed to gate A23. After my boarding pass is scanned and cross-checked with my passport, I head downstairs to a waiting bus that takes us to the aircraft. Today’s flight is operated by an Embraer E195LR, registered YU-ATC, in Air Serbia’s minimalist "eurowhite" livery. It’s not my favorite look, the design feels bland and characterless. No pattern, no colour, no soul. Just another white fuselage with minimal branding. Climbing the stairs, I’m greeted by a member of the cabin crew with a polite smile before making my way to seat 19D.

Boarding is completed quickly, and the cabin crew performs the safety demonstration in both Serbian and English. Shortly afterward, the captain announces a delay due to air traffic restrictions, estimating a wait of around 15 to 20 minutes. True to his word, about 15 minutes later, the engines start, and we begin taxiing. At 15:20, we are airborne.

The cabin, aboard this 11.1-year-old aircraft, is clean and pleasant. Legroom is decent, I have no complaints. The flight is nearly full, with only a few single seats unoccupied. Once we reach cruising altitude, the cabin crew begins complimentary service: a 20-gram pack of mini Plazma biscuits and a 250 ml bottle of still water. Later, passengers are invited to purchase items from the Elevate Deli & Bar menu, though no one seems interested.

Seated comfortably by the window, I enjoy the view and flip through the June 2025 issue of Elevate, the in-flight magazine. One article about the Danube River, which flows through four European capitals, captures my attention. After takeoff from Palermo, we fly over the volcanic island of Ischia, then turn right, crossing mainland Italy. We continue across the Adriatic Sea, passing the Croatian island of Mljet. Further along, we fly just south of Mostar and enter Serbian airspace near the village of Kršanje. After a left turn, we head toward Belgrade, passing over the Sava River and the Novi Beograd district.We land at Belgrade Airport at 16:53. There is no way I can catch my 17:05 flight to Tivat.

Flight statistics

LF: 95 %

Distance: 952 kms (514 nm)

Departure time (scheduled/actual): 14:35/15:20

Arrival time (scheduled/actual): 16:15/16:53

Flight duration (scheduled/actual): 1h 40 min/1 h 33 min

To be conitnued

---

Share your travel experience by submitting a trip report to exyu@exyuaviation.com

---