Trip Report
Overall the trip went fairly smoothly, although I do think there's some room for improvement as far as Air Serbia is concerned. They did serve complimentary snacks and water, and although the service was basic, it's still more than you can expect from certain European legacy airlines (e.g. Iberia or Brussels Airlines, where you get absolutely nothing).
Aside from that, the first flight was well on time, the cabins on both aircraft were clean, legroom was good, and there was an inflight magazine on board. Transferring at Belgrade airport also went very swiftly, as despite the airport having expanded significantly in recent years, it remains fairly compact - plus, there's no need to go through security if you're connecting there on your journey from one Schengen country to another.
With that being said, I wasn't all that impressed by the crew on either flight, and while they seemed friendly enough, I found them to be neither attentive nor service-oriented. For instance, when I first tried to purchase something from the BoB menu on the OSL-BEG flight, they ignored me. Furthermore, I don't get Air Serbia’s hardline stance towards photography and videography of the cabin. Other than that, the cabins themselves offer little in terms of amenities besides the "Elevate" inflight magazine - for instance, the A319 didn't feature WiFi or charging ports. In addition, the BEG-BUD flight was delayed, and no explanation or apology whatsoever was provided by the crew. Granted, it was only a minor delay, but still - a delay is a delay.
Without further ado, enjoy the video!
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Nice to see Hungarians transferring in Belgrade.
ReplyDeleteI use that flight up to Budapest often and many passengers are transiting from New York.
DeleteThanks for the report. I am really surprised to hear that Air Serbia doesn't allow anymore to take pics of the cabin.
ReplyDeleteYes, they are not proud of the state of their 20+ years planes…
DeleteI've never had much issue as long as one is discreet.
DeleteThe issue of filming its not related to the state of the aircraft. Its more about modern privacy issues. Pull out a camera on KLM and point it down the aisle and see how quickly a strong-willed crewmember tells you to put it down.
DeleteNot just KLM, other airlines as well prohibit taking photos and videos.
DeleteI love how everyone forgets crew members are entitled to privacy at their work.
DeleteI don't think many people doubt that. However general cabin shots should be allowed from behind etc.
DeleteThat's BS. I shot dozens of selfies and films on a plane and no one says nothing. Even took selfies with flight attendants
DeleteYou experience does not make it BS. Its frequent that airlines nowadays state no photography of passengers and crew.
DeleteYet Instagram and TikTok is overflowing with cringe crew clips and photos. I guess that's perfectly ok.
DeleteClips and photos of crews around the world, forgot to add that.
DeletePeople here are forgetting that other passengers want their privacy too. A video of Desingerica from a JU flight where 10's of passengers were in clear view is just one reason in the list of why airlines are cracking down on making videos in the cabin. Passengers are increasingly and unwillingly becoming someone's content for social media while cabin crew are being videoed like animals in a zoo rather than a human being going about their job.
DeleteInteresting to note that ME carriers are noted for top notch service however recording onboard without permission is a fineable offence for over a decade (in the UAE fines start at 2.400€/10.000AED and higher including imprisonment, deportation, confiscation of equipment) yet I guess thats fine. Or try pulling out a camera to record in AC and see how far you'll get. JU is, like with alot, really behind in implementing things.
People are too sensitive today.
DeleteI agree.
Delete@9:57 If you cared to read the trip report and watch the video, there were no complaints about cleanliness, legroom or any broken seats or equipment, so your assessment was once again wrong. Since you didn't watch the video, A319 was 16 years old and ATR just 12 years old, so you were wrong about aircraft age as well. Last but not the least, simple internet search "airlines that prohibit taking pictures or video onboard" would enlighten you by pointing out how carriers like British Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines explicitly prohibit taking photos or videos of crew members or other passengers without their explicit consent.
DeletePlease stop yourself from embarrassing comments going further.
Oh calm down. The inital comment was clearly silly. Doesnt need a lecture to rebuff
DeleteIt really does when it happens every single time Air Serbia is the topic. Not noticing regular recurrence is silly.
Deletenah
Deleteyeah
Delete@18:22 such very thin skin
Delete@10:34 zamaDisciples can't take it when their silly efforts get exposed and shut down by knowledge and facts.
DeleteGreat report. How much was the ticket if we might ask? Whilst most airlines charge now for seating, I also find JUs prices on the steep side, however its the way of the world nowadays.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I would actively select to fly JU on this route considering Norwegian fly up to twice daily but its really good to see how easy transit is in Belgrade and the flights were essentially smooth.
What I find especially shocking is taht even if you take the option with luggage, they still charge you for seat selection.
DeleteQuite cheap of them.
I assume that most people don't bother to buy seats with JU. I only do if its a longer flight and I want to be by the window. Ryanair's cheapest seat selections are - i believe - cheaper than JU but JU's charges for luggage are quite a lot lower than Wizzair.
DeleteYes but Wizz Air's basic fares are much lower than JU's, especially from BEG.
DeleteDepends on the route and timing. I find they compliment each other quite well.
DeleteIf I am not wrong this is a second report ppl complaining regarding the quality of the sandwiches
ReplyDeletePeople regularly complain about it in the comments as well. JU serves sandwiches a week after they are made.
DeleteJU is long overdue in refreshing the onboard service for short haul.
DeleteThey should follow LO's lead in that department
DeleteNo one is forcing passengers to eat provided food, snacks or water. I find it shocking that people are complaining about the offer that's superior to some airlines not offering free bite or cup of water!
DeleteGreat trip report.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots of Belgrade while landing.
At 14.00 there are 4 A330s parked on C gates - so cool despite two having the horrible expo livery.
If you went through the door before you could have taken the escalator to your gates :)
I agree with you regarding the no photo rule. Why should they turn down free promotion? The opinion of the crew is not important if JU profits, they are their employees. JU should not turn down free promotion.
JU is ok if you don't have high expectations. Overall they fall somewhere between 2.5/5 and 3/5 on average. A very basic business IMO.
I was surprised to see that you received a complimentary meal on the Oslo - Beg leg of your journey. After all, it was less than a three hour flight.
ReplyDeleteI also think the seat cost is very affordable.
No such luck in the US.
Sandwich isnt a meal and the seats are not cheap given JU's overall costs. But its nice to have a sandwich even if its not gormet.
DeleteAlmost no one provides included hot meal in eco within Europe.
DeleteExactly.
DeleteAegean absolutely offers hot meals on European flights on destinations which are not considered regional ones.
DeleteThe commentator at 18:19 said 'most' which is a correct comment
DeleteAir Serbia is totally ok.
ReplyDeleteThat was the reports conclusion. Its solid if not amazing.
Delete