Home > LTE International Airways > 2005 > Review

Taken January 2005 from London, England (Gatwick Airport) - LGW to Las Palmas/Gran Canaria, Canary Islands - LPA

This airline seems to struggle slightly with the concept of time. Our outbound flight was scheduled on our ticket at 23.00, on the departure boards for 22.00, but didn't take off until well after midnight. And the funny thing was, the word "delay" was not mentioned once.

Coming back was even worse, with our tickets and departure boards listing 18.30, yet LTE insisting the flight was going to leave at 20.00. Apparently, this was not a delay, but simply a reschedule, even though the boards had the word "DELAY" flashing next to our flight. Again, no acknowledgement was made by the staff to this, and when passengers asked for an explanation we were told to be "thankful the flight wasn't cancelled".

Having said all of this, I did not really expect anything less. We paid a very low price for our tickets at the last minute on a flight only deal and my expectations were not high. I have been delayed by much worse than this before.

The flight itself was smooth, the plane clean and seemingly new. It was marked as "Volar, operated by LTE" which was a surprise. Leg room was not generous, but no worse than most charters. Both landings were very good, though the food was awful. Hardly worth the effort of giving it out.

The staff were not rude, but could never be described as friendly. They welcomed us on with a half hearted "Hola", arms folded and chewing gum. This gum stayed in their mouths for the whole flight and I have no idea exactly how their uniform was designed to be worn. They performed their duties, but seemed to hide behind the curtains at either end of the aisle for the rest of the flight. However, I believe that this is probably just how the Spanish do things and not the fault of LTE.

All in all, this flight was exactly that - a flight. We got from one place to another safely, and for not too much money either. We were delayed, there is no mistaking that, but for the price they charge I don't think one can grumble too much.

If like us the only flight you can afford to fit in with your dates is with LTE, then go ahead and book it. Just be prepared for all of the above.