Ever flown Martinair?
 

<BR>Flying Martinair will save me several hundred dollars over Virgin or British, but I'm concerned that they are a sub-quality airline. I've really never heard much about them, bad or good. However, I do find it concerning that their flight schedule is somewhat limited and at unusual times of day, making me wonder how reliable they really are. What are your experiences flying Martinair?

kimberley, <BR>I don't know this compagny, but I experienced the same kind of scary choice recently -ATA, from dallas to Chicago. I'd say it's a good one, if price is really what you're looking for. I don't think any compagny is alowed to fly unsafe -and the pilote wouldn't accept it either. The main reason some compagnies have better deals than others is they use tricks : for ex., I landed in Chicago Midway instead of O'Hare. And I know an other french compagny, Corsair, who has very specific flights from Paris to Oakland and LA, California, just because those are stops on the way to pacific french islands. the island is small, two flights a week is enough. The compagny is probably the only one going there, so they have unbeatable prices -still the planes take off in Paris... <BR>So I'm figuring you're compagny is about the same. Also, as I was told, you shouldn't expect too many frills (I very proud of this word I leanred about ATA, so I use it now!).

Kimberley, <BR>Martinair has been around for over 40 years. Dutch owned, it originally started as a freight carrier, expanding to passenger traffic. It's a regional or feeder airline in Europe, linking to KLM in Amsterdam, for example. I wouldn't be overly concerned about an irregular flight schedule; Icelandair, a highly reputable airline has the same eccentricities in its scheduling. Recognize, too, that the Dutch were really pioneers in starting commercial aviation for passenger service, second only to Colombia's Avianca

I flew Martinair last May. The flight was smooth and uneventful They have been around for a long time and have an excellant reputation. Have fun in Holland its a friendly city with nearly everyone speaking english and the dollar accepted everywhere.

Dear Kimberley: I too have not flown Martinair myself--but have heard good reports about it. You (and others who are concerned about irregular flight times) should keep in mind that available GATES in the major airports is frequently the controlling factor. And even fairly big airlines when they are new to the area don't get much consideration. I can remember when American Airlines was the new kid on the block at Heathrow--and their passengers had the joy of walking the LENGTH of the airport to reach their gate. I don't know if it's improved because I mostly use Gatwick now. But expect this sort of inconvenience if you're saving the several hundred of dollars and balance it out. Good trip! Joan

Yes, we have been flying Martinair from Amsterdam to Puerto Plata (Dom. Rep.). Martinair is a very reliable Dutch charter company specialized in long haul and (in Belgium at least) more reliable than Virgin!

We flew Martinair twice -this was over 5 years ago. We chose them for the low fares offered. The first time they sent us home to wait for a few hours. The next time they sent us home and told us to come back the next day. Fortunately we had no set itinerary or reservations, but still, it was a deflating experience to be all set to go on our European vacation and have to hang around for another day. <BR>If your schedule is tight, a delay like that could erase any savings. <BR>