Home > Britannia Airways > 2005 > Review

Taken January 2005 from London, England (Gatwick Airport) - LGW to Varadero - VRA

We are no strangers to flying long haul, as we often go to America, Australia and the Carribean, but we usally fly Virgin, except we decided to with Thomson.

When I found out we were flying Britannia, I was happy as I have flown to Spain and Greece with them a few times, and found them good. The first time we flew to Antigua 7 years ago and they were brill.

Check in was chaotic, but it usally is. We went into duty free, where we had some breakfast, then at about 09:35 we proceeded the gate. I can't remember the number, but it was right at the end and stuck out (a very long walk there).

The plane (B767-300) was in the new blue colours. As we boarded, the less than happy crew in new uniforms just sort of grunted a hello. We were sat towards the back. I had a window seat behind the wing. When the engines started, they were a bit smokey.

There wasn't a big queue to get on the runway, the noisy engines roared and we hurtled down the runway. A bit of a bumpy climb, then there was a lot of low cloud. The told us the flight would be 9hrs 40mins and smooth.

The drinks and headphones came round - very exspensive, AND NO SEAT BACK TV'S!!! I was shocked - I couldn't see the TVs, and the seats were very uncomfortable, they were in the new tui style.

The food came round which, was a sort of chicken bake thing, which was awful!! Later sandwiches were brought round, and duty free, which instead of being offered, was just hurtled up and down the aisle's a couple of times.

The approach the to Varadero was smooth, a pity landing wasn't.

Overall I wouldn't fly Britannia ever again. The good news being the Thomson hotel and reps were fantastic, it's a pity the airline isn't!!!