Airline review: I’m in love with this European national carrier

Airline

Aegean Airlines

The flight

A3855/Geneva to Athens

Aegean A320neo and a sea view over Greece.

Frequency

Daily

Aircraft

Airbus A320neo

Class

Economy, seats 25 A, B and C (travelling with my family)

Flight time

Two hours and 40 minutes

Checking in

We’re flying in August, peak European summer holidays. Even on a Wednesday, Geneva Airport is heaving in every zone. Travelling with only a carry-on, we don’t even sneak a peek at the Aegean Airlines counter. Online, I can see the flight is almost full, and we head directly for the lengthy, snaking security line.

Baggage

I’m on a light fare, which includes an 8-kilogram carry-on bag – plenty to fit swimmers and snorkel as I splash into summer.

The loyalty scheme

Miles + Bonus within the Star Alliance. Aegean Airlines’ frequent flyer program was historically a favourite for Gold status chasers in the know, offering the quickest trajectory to Gold tier in the network. That loophole closed earlier this year if not flying Aegean metal (four legs for Gold status) – the airline has greatly increased elite requirements for those only earning status through partners.

Carbon emissions

The CO2 amount for this flight is 0.333 tonnes. Aegean is committed to net zero by 2050 and is one of the few airlines in Europe to use a sustainable aviation fuel blend on parts of its network.

Economy seats offer a standard pitch of 30 inches (76cm) and width 18 inches (46cm).

The seat

25A, B and C for myself and two children. The cabin is a smart blue and white. Likewise, the leather seats are newish looking, with a standard pitch of 30 inches (76 centimetres) and a width of 18 inches (46 centimetres).

Entertainment

Ye gods, there’s a surviving in-flight magazine! Blue is one of the few survivors of the genre when most airlines cut them during the pandemic for hygiene and now weight issues. And it’s good; this issue has a comprehensive five-page guide to Paros, one of our eventual destinations, in both Greek and English. There are no power or USB outlets, which I find a little surprising, even on a short-haul route.

Service

Befitting a nation that kicks goals in design, the uniforms are a stylish navy with a red and white stripe and striking coral lipstick shade, which somehow works. There are four welcoming and friendly crew and I watch with interest as a passenger attempts to stuff a dog in a dog carrier below a window seat at an angle that Fluffy is not enjoying. An attendant takes control of both the situation and dog, instead pushing the carrier in along the floor from the aisle like a pro. I mentally applaud.

Food

This is a full-service airline, serving hot food. Today it’s a cheese and tomato toasted snack, served to children first. Upon boarding, a sweet is offered from a basket – the small elements make a bigger overall impression of thoughtfulness.

Aegean’s in-flight magazine Blue is one of the few survivors of the genre.

One more thing

Onward flights to the islands aren’t as expensive as you may expect. Advance tickets start at €50 ($82) – around the same price as a ferry – from Athens to destinations like Santorini, Milos, Naxos and Paros.

The price

From €92 ($151) for this one-way trip.*

The verdict

I’m a little in love with Aegean Airlines, and it’s my favourite airline to fly in Europe, not least because of its island destinations. On previous flights, we’ve been gifted seed packets to grow herbs, and they take special care of families. The staff are professional and personable and the flights on time. It is a national carrier its nation can be proud of.

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

The writer travelled at her own expense.

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and are subject to change.

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