Transavia Airlines is a low-cost airline based in the Netherlands. Here’s a review of Transavia Airlines based on several aspects. Flying around the world, as I am fortunate to do, with many flights domestic and international in each month, I realized perhaps it is time to start reviewing the airlines. Transavia will be the first that I review…
Flying the skies in style and comfort? Okay, let’s not get carried away. No low-cost carrier will provide you with either. However, some are much better than others
No doubt, each flight and each locale can bring about different experiences. So, naturally any review is subjective. A good benchmark is the fact that I am 6’3ft and weigh around 210lbs.
Obviously I do not have a body designed for any economy class ticket but that is, in the main, the way I travel.
Since COVID, the airlines have hiked their prices to make Business Class unaffordable to the average Joe and generally it is the domain of corporate travellers who have a large company expense account.
Yes, I have on occasion splashed out and bought the Business Class ticket to survive a long-haul flight (+ 10 hours). However, generally I go with basic economy and reason to myself that my hard-earned cash would be better spent in other ways.
All that said, I am in a somewhat average status to assimilate some thoughts on the airline comfort, service, and punctuality. My favourite low-cost carrier is Transavia. Why? Several reasons, really.
The Good, the Bad and no Ugly
First up, the downside… it is like all airlines these days. You search a price on Google. It comes back with something good. You get excited and start the process of booking.
Then it starts. Luggage = extra cost. Seat allocation = extra cost, insurance = extra cost and so it goes on. Eventually you see the cart total and it is at least 33% higher than first quoted. Frustrating!
You will also sometimes, with Transavia, find that the luxury of a Gate PBS (Passenger Boarding Bridge) is not present. You may end up schlepping on a bus to get to the waiting aircraft.
Low-cost airlines keep costs down…one of those costs is harbouring next to a terminal against being out by the Cargo area which is cheaper. That’s the price you can pay.
Entertainment is not something you will find much on the Transavia flights, and you pay for your food and snacks. I see passengers unwrapping homemade lunch packs. Not my style, but power to them.
I do have some crisps and Haribos’ to quell my needs. I also have bought a sandwich on the airline or indulged in a curry-wurst. The food is more than adequate on Transavia if you wish to purchase it.
The Crew
I enjoy the cabin crew I have come across. I know we’re just a mass of more faces on one of their endless legs, but they put in the effort.
This last trip we had a comedian as a Captain. He indulged us with lighthearted humour telling us we all looked fabulous and that we were heading to San Francisco. (The fight was to Prague).
It was light fun as he chatted away and certainly would have put a nervous flyer more at ease. Unless that flyer thought the Captain was in fact a comedian and had no business flying a 737-800. The aircraft left 15 mins late due to some slot delay but it was not challenging.
Time to Fly Transavia
In no time we were pushback and engine start.
The safety briefing was sufficient and the cabin crew seemed to be genuinely smiling as they demonstrated the seat belts, mask drop down and exits. It felt friendly and safe.
I have witnessed grim faces and Zombie blank eyes on many other airlines’ cabin crew during this briefing, so I appreciated the happy expressions
The aircraft made its way to the runway and smoothly lifted into a heavy cloud base with many bumps along the way.
By the time I arrived in Prague, I felt relaxed and unstressed. It was a pleasure. Yes, the seats are close together and with some yoga style, I managed to manoeuvre myself into a relatively non-cramping position.
I always choose the aisle seat to make sure I am not climbing over passengers if I need to get up to use the bathroom or just simply stretch out a little.
The Review Summary
The Review Synopsis
Pricing and Value for Money: Transavia is well-known for its low fares, making it a popular alternative for frugal travelers. The airline offers reasonable pricing, particularly for short-haul flights inside Europe. It offers a no-frills experience with the option of adding other services for a price.
Flight Network: Transavia has a large flight network that primarily serves European locations. They provide a diverse network of routes, covering important tourist spots and significant towns, making it easy for passengers to discover different parts of Europe.
Service and Staff: The staff at Transavia are generally polite and professional. Flight attendants are kind and personable, ensuring that passengers have a good flight experience. However, as a low-cost carrier, several services, such as in-flight entertainment, are not available.
Overall, Transavia Airlines is a reputable low-cost carrier that offers affordable fares, a good selection of destinations, and a comfortable travel experience.
While it may lack some of the amenities provided by full-service airlines, it provides a reliable option for travelers looking for budget-friendly flights within Europe.
A big thumbs-up from me. No issues to speak of and it gets me from A to B efficiently and safely.