Olympic Airline to Crete
 

Hello,

Has anyone flown on Olympic Airlines before? I am traveling from NY to Crete in late April/early May and so far the best airfares are coming from Olympic. I would like to also stay in Athens for 3 nights. Has anyone been to the Marina Hotel or the Jason Inn?

I've used them twice but only for the Athens to Crete bit. Any questions?

We flew Olympic from Athens to Chania, Crete. When we got to Chania we couldn't understand why we kept circling the airport as we couldn't see any other planes (but the views were beautiful). When we landed and all went to the luggage carousel we were immediately greeted with an announcement in Greek only. Most took off for an office. When we asked we found that the announcement was the airline "forgot" to load any of the luggage -- it was still sitting at Athens, so we had to fill out forms and they'd deliver it later that day. We chose to return to the airport when the next flight came in and claim our own. Not the sharpest tools in the shed, those Olympic people. We understood that sort of thing is common.

We've flown them from Santorini to Athens, and on another trip, to and from Crete. Certainly a no frills airline, but the trips were short, and they seemed fine, no problems.

I've heard stories about misplaced luggage, planes late, etc., and I'm sure it happens. From the islands, I'd leave myself LOTS of time between flights, if you're flying out of Athens the same day.

I obviously can't diagree with Patrick's direct experience, but we had no trouble either time. I've just realised that the first time we went to Lesvos, not Crete.

We've used the airport at Chania 4 time altogether and the one at Iraklion once. Chania's much nicer.

Agree with Sheila about the airports. Chania was small and not very busy; in contrast, Heraklion was kind of a zoo--there was a line clear out the door for a flight leaving for Hanover, and I'm sure it didn't leave on time!

I just made a price comparison between Olympic and Aegean Airlines, round-trip from Athens to Heraklion in May, 2005. Including taxes, Aegean was about 34 Euros cheaper than Olympic.

If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Athens, I just booked at the Alma Hotel in June for a single room for 34 Euro/night. I've never stayed there, so I can't testify as to its quality, but the price was right and it's within walking distance to Omonia Square

But then you'd be in Iraklion. No fun:(

Both airlines fly to Chania as well.

Interesting to note that Olympia also did not have our luggage on arrival to Chania after stops in Athens and Frankfurt from SFO. Luggage left in Athens we were told. Recommend you carry some essentials with you.

The worst flights we have ever experienced were on Olympic Airlines from JFK to Athens and return. When we arrived at JFK from SFO we had to change terminals and found our gate. The gate was changed three times with sketchy information given the passengers each time.

The crew was unpleasant and unattentive in both directions. Spent most of the trip in the galley smoking. The 747s we flew on were old and shabby, and the bathrooms were filthy.

The flights within Greece seem to be acceptable (based on posts here), but the overseas flights are just plain awful (again based on posts here and our own experience).

Price is always a consideration for us when booking a flight, but I don't think even a good price would get us back on an Olympic Airlines plane.

Loved Greece; hated Olympic Airlines!!!!

There have been so many complaints recently about lost luggage and dealyed or cancelled flights on Olympic it makes me wonder just how reliable they really are.

I returned from Athens to JFK on Olympic last week after my Delta flight was cancelled due to bad weather. I was impressed with the flight itself - comfortable seats and leg rests, pretty good food, nice staff. I dropped my neckrest pillow somewhere in the Athens airport and they even tracked it down and brought it to me! My only complaint was that we left a bit late because of having to add on all the cancelled Delta flyers, and because I checked in early, my luggage was among the last off, and I missed my connection at JFK, where Delta staff were very unhelpful.

Welcome back to the U.S........:(