Originally Posted by
leonidas
Has anyone flown them? I have a short trip coming up. I am tempted to book Air Costa, partially because I like to collect airlines, and also because the prices are low.
I flew them a couple of months ago too, also on HYD-MAA.
Unfortunately, my experience was less good, as the flight had a 4-hour delay, which then turned into a 5-hour delay (due entirely to built-up delays). The less experienced ground staff weren't good at dealing with the handful of irate customers.
On the positive side, though... The check-in staff were extremely apologetic that their systems hadn't been able to contact me in advance due to the international mobile number, and offered to escort me out of the terminal so I could get something decent for dinner. They warned me not to go into town due to the traffic but hey, I like a challenge, so spent a few hours round the Charminar, enjoying the food and the Friday night atmosphere.
Checked in and went airside, where things were basically closing up. The flight eventually boarded, after many very irate passengers complained to the young gate agent.
As part of their standard procedure, one of the ground crew stood by the gate wishing "Happy Flying" to passengers as they boarded the bus, while (poor guy) receiving looks of daggers in return. It reminded me slightly of "Come Fly with Me" (if you know that BBC programme...)
The plane itself was OK - comfortable if a little unloved - with legroom in the mid-range for what you get on e-Jets (less than BA, more than KLM, as those are my reference points).
Arrival in MAA was smooth enough - not least because we were pretty much the only people in the airport... Thankfully the prepay taxi counter was still open.
I understand that they had a lot of teething problems with timing, not least because their flights tend to be A-B-C, with minimal time on the ground in B (HYD, in my case). But they seem to be getting a handle on this, which is good.