I was hoping to get to fly one of the airline’s new A220s but we had a 25-year-old A319 instead. At check in it was apparent the flight would be full, and it was packed with schoolchildren. I remember reading here on the site how Croatia Airlines even has dozens of charters to Girona around this time of year because there are organised trips for schoolchildren. In any case, it was interesting to see that even at check in all the children (there must have been close to a hundred of them) were sick, coughing like crazy, blowing their noses…
After checking in I passed security without much hassle and headed to the gate. We were going to be delayed as the incoming flight from Zagreb was late.
Upon boarding we were greeted by the crew, all of whome were wearing N95 face masks, which was interesting to see on a European airline post-Covid. It seemed to be a wise decision considering 90% of the passengers were visibly sick and unwell (and it seems the crew knew what to expect).
The cabin looked relatively well maintained with exception of the overhead screens, some of which were flickering for the duration of the safety demonstration. The seats themselves were fine.
As mentioned, the flight was full. We took off around 55 minutes behind schedule. Shortly after departure the crew served a small pack of crackers, which also featured Croatia Airlines branding on the packet, a napkin and a choice between mineral and sparkling water. This was free of charge. I forgot to take a photo of the crackers, but the flavour was inspired by a region in Croatia (sorry I forgot which one). It tasted good. There was also a SkyShop menu in the seat pocket, but I didn’t see anyone order anything, although, as mentioned, most of the passengers were teens returning from a school trip.
I enjoyed reading through Croatia Airlines’ in-flight magazine, which was also in the seat pocket. There were some really nice articles and images of Croatia. The magazine, which seems to be published on a seasonal basis (summer, winter, spring, autumn) was big. The service itself, with the crackers and water was pretty much on par with most other airlines on intra-European flights.
We made up some of the delay and arrived in Zagreb 35 minutes behind schedule. I spent the night in Zagreb and continued my way for a few days’ holidays in Opatija, which was lovely. Unfortunately, a few days later I got a cold, likely from the flight as the passenger next to me, in front of me and directly behind me were all sick. Of course, this is not Croatia Airlines’ fault but just putting it out there as to what you might expect flying this route that time of year.
Overall, I can’t say there was anything bad about the flight. It was an average experience similar on most European airlines nowadays. Although must say the price was above average compared to most airlines for a flight of this distance.
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Thank you for the nice trip report! The crackers are with sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds. Agree, very delicious.
ReplyDeleteBravo Hrvatska!
ReplyDeleteAnyone know if OU still serves that shameful service in business class?
ReplyDeleteYes they do.
DeleteIt is not shameful, they serve high quality regional delicacies although those boxes should be given in Economy class and the Business class product improved back to how it was before COVID.
DeleteOh please, it's definitely shameful. A pre-packaged meal is not acceptable in business class.
DeleteIts not "shameful" . Just crap tbh.
DeletePeople don't fly with business because of inflight meals. It doesn't matter what is Croatia offering.
DeleteOf course it matters when an airline treats business passenger like cattle and offers it crackers from a box.
Delete@16:55 why anyone would want to fly business class woth OU is beyond me. Yes catering does matter btw
DeleteNo, it doesn't matter. People buy business class because of loyalty miles, connecting flight to long haul and ground experience. Not because of pre prepared catering crap which airlines call "hot meal".
DeleteOU's load factor (and lack of it) indicates it does.
DeleteSure man, OU has bad LF because of crackers 🤣
DeleteIt for sure has not improved because of it.
Delete@17:11 underlining why OU is such a terrible airline.
DeleteGood decision by the crew to wear the masks since there is a fly going around the northern hemisphere that is both very contagious and takes you days to get well from.
ReplyDeleteThe report is from September
DeleteWearing a face mask in crowded places nowadays has bcome a must.
ReplyDeleteAlso got Corona last year and had to go in hospital for it.
At tleast the company or their union is caring about the flight attendants health.
I've never seen Croatia Airlines crew wear masks and I flew with them a few times every year for the past three years.
DeleteMaybe they know something government do not want to publicize.
DeleteIt was at september of last year.
DeleteWhat is there any more to publicize.
The crackers On OU flights are really nice and their taste is inspired by Croatians regions if I remembered correctly. I wonder if you can buy these crackers anywhere in Croatia?
ReplyDeleteI like it too
DeleteTastes are not discussed. Something one person likes, the other dislikes. But here we don't discuss whether crackers served in OU business class are good or bad, we speak about universally accepted standards which do not include crackers in cardbord box in business class of a legacy carrier. Fullstop.
DeleteI thought the author travelled in economy class?
DeleteHas anyone seen what the two chocolate biscuits in the C box look like...?
DeleteIt is clear that all those schoolchildren are returning from vacation in Lloret del Mar, which can be translated to hell on earth when it comes to catching STDs and further influences. I absolutely see the point in wearing a mask on such a return flight.
ReplyDeleteYou see the point in wearing a mask as to not catch an STD?
DeleteYou can see in the photos that the seat cushioned has come apart. The Recaro seats were past their prime a decade ago.
ReplyDelete