I recently purchased a one-way plane ticket to Athens, where I will be spending the next year. It was an unbelievable price but the ticket is on Tower Air -- and whenever I tell anyone that I am flying via Tower, they cringe. My travel agent assured me that the airline was fine -- it was just that they did not have all the "luxuries" that other airlines had. But based upon the reactions I am getting from others, I'm starting to doubt that the lack of "luxuries" is Tower's only drawback. Is this airline as bad as people say (and worth buying another ticket)? Is it safe??? Any advice or stories of prior experiences with the airline would be much appreciated. Thanks!

My husband and I flew Tower Air three years ago to Amsterdam - it was only $298 round trip. Well, we got what we paid for. The plane was filthy, the food was vile and the flight crew was the nastiest I have ever experienced. On the way back to the US, I wasn't allowed to bring my carry on aboard. I was told it was too heavy, even though it was virtually empty, and no one bothered weighing it. I complained to a flight attendant once I got on the plane who told me that the other people on the plane who were there before me (the plane came from Bombay) were allowed to bring more luggage into the cabin and use all the available space. Perhaps the airline has shaped up since then, but I will never fly Tower again, even if it means paying more. <BR>

We flew Tower Air three years ago when we went to Paris. My only complaint was that they had miscounted the main course of the meal on the return trip and we ate yoghurt instead of meat. It wasn't really a big deal to us. <BR> <BR>The discount on our tickets during August was the important factor in choosing that airline. Our daughter had taken Tower to Paris the year before and was pleased so we weren't that nervous about the flight. I was however nervous when she announced that she had made reservations with an airline I never knew existed. <BR> <BR>We had no complaints about the condition of the plane. We flew from Baltimore directly to Paris, probably a different route than the one Ilisa mentioned. <BR> <BR>Do you remember a news article several years ago about a cat that got loose in the baggage hold and flew back and forth across the country for about a week until a baggage handler was able to capture it and return it to the owner? That was a Tower Air plane. <BR> <BR>Enjoy Athens.

While I share some of your reservations about Tower, I have to say that I have flown them from JFK to Paris and had a GREAT flight. The plane was new and clean and the crew were very nice. No problems at all. And the price was right! I wouldn't worry too much. Even if it's bad, it's ten or so hours and then a year in Europe to forget about it! Have fun.

Kate - No matter who you fly - you could encounter problems. I personally wouldn't worry about it to much especially if the price is right. Besides, you're spending a year in Greece. A girl after my own heart! How lucky are you????? I'm curious, where will you be staying in Greece (i.e., what cities) and for what purpose - business or pleasure? YASOU! Dimi

Thanks for the advice! <BR> <BR>I'm going to Greece to study for the year, in a study abroad program for college students. I'll be staying in Athens, where the program is based -- but also doing extensive traveling all over Greece. I've never been to Greece before, but from reading and studying so much about the country, I'm very, very excited to be going. My classes will be in English --I don't know any modern Greek, but I have studied Ancient Greek. Any "words of wisdom" would be appreciated!!! <BR>Kate

Hi Kate - Greeks in general can be very defensive very quickly if you say the wrong thing. So, if you're determined to learn a few phrases (and get them right) make sure you get a good tape like Berlitz and learn the words very carefully. Politeness goes a long way with them. Also, you will find their clothing not to the be the best in general, and on the other hand, an area in Athens called Syntagma Square equivalent to that of Madison Avenue only doubled the price. I doubt it's changed since my last visit. So bring alot from home including the basic tolietries since you will have a hard time finding certain brands their. Trust me on this one. One trip I searched an area in the north for three hours looking for nail polish remover. None to be found, just to give you an idea. Their winters are very mild so I wouldn't worry unless you're near the water. In general, the bouzouki clubs are a blast and the sights are magnificent. Since you will be there a year, I'm sure you will cover all of them. When and if possible, explore the surrounding islands by ferry as they are a must see. And since you are a student, I highly recommend the 4 hour ferry ride to Mykonos. You won't be sorry. IT'S PARTY CENTRAL! If I can be of further help - e-mail me directly. YASOU! Dimi

For an educated opinion on the safety of Tower Air, take a look at the book" Flying Blind, Flying Safe ". That should answer your question if safety is you r primary concern...

We just returned from Paris and we flew Tower Air's non-stop from BWI. We arrived very early since the seating is first-come, first-served. We got a seat in the upper deck, first-class cabin for seventy-five dollars each. The meal was very good and the drinks were free (they were not supposed to be!) and the flight was very nice. On the return flight, we arrived about four hours before the flight left so we could upgrade and this time it was one hundred dollars each. Again, the meals were very good but we had to pay for our wine. <BR> <BR>The plane was rather old and it showed a great deal of wear and tear and by the time we reached Baltimore, it was pretty trashed. However, we flew round trip in first-class for $700. <BR> <BR>Would I do it again? You bet.

My husband and I flew Tower Air two years ago to Paris from JFK and again this year (in three weeks!). It was definitely "no frills", but we didn't have any problems at all. If they run a little late, they give you free food and drinks, and we found the airline staff to be fairly accomodating, too. I'd do it again.