Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   Air Travel (https://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/)
-   -   Taking Air Berlin's A330-200 Overseas (https://www.fodors.com/community/air-travel/taking-air-berlins-a330-200-overseas-904915/)

etaner Sep 3rd, 2011 03:39 PM

Taking Air Berlin's A330-200 Overseas
 
Has anyone traveled on Air Berlin's airbus, A330-200? I am thinking of booking a flight from Miami to Berlin on this carrier, but I have been reading several reviews saying that their seating is much tighter than other airlines. No legroom! Their seat pitch is 30", and most other carriers have a pitch measurement of 31" - 33". Most being 32".

I am NOT a fan of flying and haven't flown in over 12 years. I am worried that I will be extremely uncomfortable and slightly claustrophobic on a 10 hour flight with no legroom.

Has anyone been on this particular airbus, and what is your opinion about the comfort? Although flying on another airline would be nicer, their prices are MUCH higher and none are non-stop like Air Berlin is.

Thanks for any opinions!

qwovadis Sep 4th, 2011 02:47 AM

www.airlinequality.com/Forum/berlin-2.htm

TransAtlantic with them is not great crowded cramped

babies crying indifferent service I would look elsewhere.

AB also in big financial toruble right now lots of cutbacks.

Recently my wife and I picked up 80000 FF miles on AAdvantage

CCs got free TA with them might look at something like that.

Would be lots cheaper... also we use points for upgrades

sometimes... Anyway might monitor cheapoair.com kayak.com/buzz

better deals on better carriers.

Happy Hunting,

qwovadis Sep 4th, 2011 02:51 AM

Germany's second-biggest airline, Air Berlin PLC
quarter results and disclosed a program of cutbacks.
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/arti...-air-berlin-to

Lots of bad news here they have really lost a lot of money
odds are cutbacks will affect quality and safety.

Jeff_Costa_Rica Sep 4th, 2011 05:26 AM

I don't think that's a fair comment about "cutbacks affecting safety." What airline has not had to cut back in recent years with this economic climate? They cut back on routes and personnel. That does not mean they scrimp on safety.

Air Berlin is on target to join the One World alliance, which includes AA and BA, in early 2012.

I have no personal experience flying with them.

J62 Sep 4th, 2011 06:21 AM

I don't think qwovadis has any personal experience either.

Looks like he just looked up the airline quality website, picked out one post with "screaming babies" and posted it to sound like an expert.

You can find negative comments about every single airline on the internet.

simpsonc510 Sep 4th, 2011 06:49 AM

The lack of legroom would put me off. I'd look elsewhere.

AeroExpert Jul 17th, 2012 10:26 AM

You have to concider they are one of Europes low cost carriers but ive flown with them for a trans-atlantic flight in economy and it is nothing special. Im a shorter person so legroom wasnt a big issue for me, but the service was AWEFUL the food was disgusting and the Flight Attenents werent so nice. If I were in your place, fly the Lufthansa A380 To Munich -Not Sure) and then make a connection to where ever your final destination is.
Happy Flying,
AeroExpert

jahlie Sep 17th, 2012 08:18 AM

I agree wholeheartedly. My husband and I just returned from a flight LAX-VIE with Air Berlin. The seats were the unbelievably uncomfortable - tightest fit I've ever experienced, very slight reclining pitch, and HARD-barely-cushioned seats. The food was the worst (and I thought AA was bad), the service- what service? I'll never fly with them for any long haul.

BatGirl25 Nov 5th, 2013 03:26 PM

Just flew them yesterday and arrived this morning...... Dreadful! I was only about 15 rows back and in the middle seating arrangement..... But I was Suppose to be on an aisle and I was Not...... The pitch of the seat recline is only about 29-30* and there is Only about 5 " of space between the seat in front of you and you! The woman in front of me Threw her seat back right on my leg, which awakened me.....There's No Elbow room and No Foot Rest! I've flown AB when in Europe, but this is the 1st And the Last time I shall Ever fly them Transatlantically, unless, of course, I'm in Business/First! They have Great Pilots but the service lends a lot to be desired..... I had to Press my Call button 4 Separate xs[& I didn't do this in rapid succession either, I waited several minutes between calls]just to get a bottled water, and This was when Most people were sleeping, so there's no excuse!If you want comfort even if it's Not business/first, you can get a good deal for about $35+ on United to purchase a Premium Economy seat, and it's Well Worth it[my cousin did on both flights to and from Europe! Safe and Happy Travel!

flpab Nov 6th, 2013 03:33 PM

I have heard the seats are very thin. Lufthansa is much better. I am flying economy comfort tomorrow on Delta and so hope that four inches makes a difference. It is a long flight from Florida and just can't deal with being stuffed in like a sardine. I don't expect much anymore in the food department from any airline so eat before boarding now. Lufthansa does have better food coming back from Germany though.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:06 AM.