Prologue:
Hello and welcome to another nostalgic TR dating back to 2016 when I flew A3 for the first time.I arrived at the airport by 11:00 and I went straight to the A3 check-in counter. The inside of the terminal is as charming as a the interior of an industrial warehouse.
After waiting for a minute an agent issued me the boarding passes and wished me a good trip. I inquired about the lounge and somehow it clicked on her that she forgot to mention it to me. She told me that it was further down the concourse before security and I was then on my way.
I presented my boarding pass along with my TK Gold card and was welcomed inside by the receptionist. I entered through the left and came upon the seating area.
If you go right after reception you come to the buffet area where local Greek products are promoted.
Attendants kept the place tidy and there were an assortment of snacks to please everyone's taste. I particularly enjoyed the warm pastries like feta and spinach (spanakopita).
Interior with metal chairs at some tables. I think these were an eyesore and did not harmonize with the decor of the lounge.
The only view from the lounge is of the outside of the airport not the tarmac.
My snacks.
This lounge is conveniently located next to the Aegean one but it seems smaller in comparison. However it provided some real dishes and not just snacks which was appreciated. The dining area was very full and I was lucky to get a an empty table when I entered. The receptionist was friendly and upon presenting my boarding pass she invited me to come in through the left side.
After some last minute shopping I went through security which was quick and I was required to take off my belt and laptop computer. The gate was located downstairs which meant a bus ride to a remote location to board the airplane. I did some spotting while waiting at the gate.
Finally the bus arrived to take us to the remote area. Once we arrived at the aircraft we were held inside the bus for a few minutes waiting for the completion of some last minute paperwork or procedure.
Two crew members were at the door welcoming passengers with smiles as they stepped inside. So far the impression is very good.
The J cabin consists of the first 2 rows with the middle seats blocked like most intra-European J products. I noticed that A3 seats are thinner than competitors. The purser took my coat and offered to store it in the closet.
Pre-dept. drinks were offered. I had a glass of water.
Moments later menus were distributed. I've read positive reviews about A3 catering and my expectations were high. Judging by today's menu it looked promising.
Then a flight attendant went around offering candy from a basket.
Eventually the door closed and we taxied out to the runway.
A military group is getting ready to board.
Take off.
Minutes later curtains were drawn and the service started with a hot towel.
I wish it was thicker like SQ ones.
I ordered an iced tea served with bread sticks.
A paper mat was placed on the tray table before the meal service.
Appetizer tray with smoked salmon trout stuffed peppers and octopus salad with eggplant mousse. This was beautifully presented and it tasted fresh and delicious. Fantastic execution!
I had the chicken leg with honey potatoes wine cheese and chickpeas. The portion size was perfect and it tasted great.
Trio of desserts.
Before arrival an almond cookie was offered along with drinks. I ordered a hot tea and even during turbulence the flight attendant managed to served it with a smile.
Arrival in CPH. The purser forgot to return my coat and upon disembarking I reminded her. She immediately took it out of the closet and mentioned that I sure would need it because it was cold outside. She bid everyone good bye and once again with a smile.
========== Eleftherios Venizelos Intl Arpt (ATH) - ==========
========== Aegean Business Lounge ==========
========== Lufthansa Lounge ==========
========== Aegean Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Copenhagen Arpt (CPH) - ==========
Summary:
The A3 lounge at ATH is a nice and relaxing place to spend some time before the trip. Catering is OK with a wide assortment of snacks but no real hot food. Too bad that the only view is of the exterior of the airport and not the tarmac.Flying A3 for the first time was a great experience. The inflight crew looked sharp and the attitude was professional and friendly. Catering is excellent and in my opinion is in the league of TK. It's no surprise that A3 has been named "Best Regional Carrier" by Skytrax. The only con is the cabin seat which i found a bit thinner than competitors.
16 Comments
ReplyGreat Review my dear friend.
That's indeed not a surprise to see A3 named the best carrier in the region. It's a nice meal.
Pleasantly surprised indeed. I also love that the catering is so authentic to its roots. I have to say that serving octopus as appetizer might not be a popular choice as it can be a bit out of some people's "comfort zone".
ReplyGracias Amigo.
A good report on the product. I find the LH spread to be better than the A3 one.
Onboard you have good FA and a good meal.
A nice flight.
See you soon Panda.
Casper
I've heard that the A3 lounge has improved since my last visit and I'm sure that it will change again given this crisis that we are going through.
In terms of catering I think A3 is almost at the same level as TK when it comes to inter-European J product. Where TK leads is in entertainment and cabin comfort.
ReplyGreat experience I have to say. Why can't we have the same in US ? Thanks Panda !
In general because we are accustomed to mediocrity and airlines know they can get away with that. The only routes that the premium cabins might offer a ray of hope are the coveted transcon SFO/LAX-NYC.
ReplyNever flew in J but even in Y it's a good airline. Thanks Panda for your sharing this trip.
You are right. Even in the back they try to provide a hot meal. See you.
ReplyHello Adan!
Very good product onboard A3!
Thank you for sharing my friend.
Take care
It was a pleasure indeed. Just recently A3 came with a new livery. I hope they stick around.
ReplyOuaf ! JetSet' !
Beautiful pictures !
Both caterings in the lounges and during the flight are solid.
Those metal chairs and this thin seat on board are..surprising !
Very nice report, Panda. Thanks for sharing !
Not perfect but getting close. ;) Ciao.
ReplyThanks for sharing this TR
and your nostalgia !
The Aegean lounge food spread is average
Hot dishes seem to be better in LH lounge
Gorgeous aerial pictures at take off
Very yummy appetizer
The entree looks good too
" It's no surprise that A3 has been named "Best Regional Carrier" by Skytrax"
Do you really believe in Skyhoax ? :(
A good experience with A3
See you soon
LH lounge has better catering but it is smaller. A3 lounge catering not the best but more space. It's a trade off.
Greek landscape is beautiful from above.
Very unique appetizer for sure. Nice meal overall.
One of the few instances that I agree with Skytrax. ;)
Until next time.
ReplyThank you for sharing
good flight make good report
hope to read you soon
Thanks for your comments. One of the best intra-European flights that I have taken without a doubt.
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