Any tips on domestic flights in the Ukraine between Kiev and Odessa? I've heard shady reports from many travel agents. One airlines, Tavrey Int. books thru Expedia.com.
Is it reliable? Will it be in business thru August? British Airways gets into Kiev at 4pm and Tavrey claims to depart Kiev for Odessa at 7pm. On the level?

My advise might to seem to be odd, but I'd rather not try to book Kiev-Odessa ahead of time, unless you are flying with a family.
You will be much better off buying the ticket before the flight - no chance of airline out of business etc. By the way, there are 2 airports in Kiev: main one - Borispol, and another one, something like Zhuliyny, flight to Odessa could depart from there.
Also, you could take the overnight train, it will probably be 20 times cheaper, just make sure to get a sleeping compartment.



[This message has been edited by neophyte (edited 04-09-2001).]

balaram -- I would second neophyte's suggestion on the train. I've used trains in that part of the world quite extensively. While it is not 20 times cheaper than flying (more like 2 times cheaper, should cost you about $30 one way if you choose first class, and I'd strongly recommend that), it's much more convenient. Train #5 leaves Kiev daily at 8:40 pm and arrives in Odessa at 8 am next morning, and in the opposite direction train #6 leaves Odessa at 8:20 pm and arrives in Kiev at 7:30 am next morning. Railway stations are in the centers of both cities, thus very convenient for transfers. You may want to look at the complete train schedule.

I travel to KBP (Kiev) quite often, and I can offer a few sugegstions. First, the International Airport (KBP) is located approx. 30 minutes outside of Kiev. If you are going to travel domestically, you will need to transfer to the domestic airport. Ukraine has changed some of its VISA requirements for US citizens (thank God.) They made it so difficult to get into that country, now it is a lot easier. You will also be required to purchase health insurance at the airport before you will be allowed to proceed through immigration. It is not that expensive, but it is another way the government extorts money from people. Also, be aware of the currency and article declaration regulations. BE VERY PRECISE, or you may end up in prison and/or your possessions will be confiscated. List all your articles of value (watch, rings, computer, accessories, etc) and declare ALL your money (if over $1000USD.) Failure to do this will cost you dearly. Count it exactly, you may be asked to count it in front of a customs officer, and if you are off, they can legally take your money or worse!

Also, be prepared to pay a bribe in order to leave the country. This is so common it is pathetic! What will happen is something like this.....As you arrive into the airport, your passport will be asked for by a local policeman. He will take it and examine it for your registration stamp (not VISA stamp, but your registration Stamp.) You get this if you stay in a hotel, and they will take your passport and have it stamped for you. If you are staying with a private individual or flat, then you must register within 3 days of arrival at the provincial police station. If you do have this stamp, he will detain you in mindless ways so as to make you late for going through bag X-Ray and checkin. You will have very little time to do this, then it becomes appearent what he wants...$20.00 USD. You pay him, and he lets you through. This at times happens a couple of times. It is wrong, but the police are corrupt! They are paid very little, and they use this as a means to survive.

The domestic airport is not very nice, but passable.

I hope this helps.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by FlyingRev:
[B]I travel to KBP (Kiev) quite often, and I can offer a few sugegstions

Thanks Rev,

But what about this airlines Tavrey Air?
(I can fly them into Odessa from either Kiev or Istanbul) Are they righteous--or shady?

I have consulted in Ukraine a number of times. I've never heard of that airline. Doesn't Ukrainian Airways fly the Kiev-Odessa route as well?

My Kiev-Odessa flights have gone relatively smooth, although the frayed seat belts and worn interiors can make it sketchy. However, I have tried the train route and found that difficult. When I used the train in winter the heat was so high that I felt I was in a sauna.

In the summer, it was also hot and muggy. It was great for meeting Ukrainians (and getting offerings of Vodka and Kelbasa), but I needed a full days rest afterwards. It is also a 12-14 trip.

I had more "coruption" problems on international flights than in-country. Look like you know what your doing. Be polite and firm. The people who looked vulnerable or too nice, usually got taken advantage of by corrupt cops or opportunist. That being said, a lot of Ukrainians are great people with hearts of gold.

Here's Tavrey Air web site (in Russian only). They claim the following airlines as their partners (not in the frequent flyer program sense): Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Thai Airways.

I would personally NOT fly Tarvey Air. If you have ever had the 'pleasure' of flying on the old Aeroflot, then you know that it was quite scarry. I value my life, and will not fly on an airline unless I know it is safe!

There are other options into Odessa. I would look into them. I also would stay away from the train, for personal comfort and security reasons.

Here's the recent timetable of flights from Odessa. You can see that other options include flying a very old turboprop AN-24 on Ukrainian National Airlines to/from Zhulyani (small airport close to downtown Kiev), or once-a-week B-737 flight to/from Boryspil (Kiev international airport) on Aerosweet.

With all due respect, I have to disagree with FlyingRev on the train travel issue. I've traveled very extensively by train between major cities in the former Soviet Union, and as long as you're buying 1st Class (called "SV", 2-bed compartment) ticket on a flagship train (hint: the lower the train number, the better quality of service), you should be fine. Safety-wise, make sure you securely lock your compartment at night (you may want to invest a few bucks in buying a special additional lock, they are sold at major railway stations).

Are you asking whether you can get from Kiev to Odessa using frequent flyer miles on some airline? I was guessing that was the reason this was posted in the Buzz instead of in General Travel.

Djlawman

Doesn't El Al fly into Odessa? They probably don't do domestic flights though?

[This message has been edited by pynchonesque (edited 04-12-2001).]

If you go by train and buy a sleeper compartment (highly recommended), make sure you get the compartment with two couchettes, not four. The railroad will try to sell any couchettes you do not buy, and buying both couchettes in the 2 compartment is cheaper than buying all 4 in the other configuration.

Keep all valuables in your case underneath the couchette lid: it opens on piano hinges. Even if thieves pick the compartment door while you are asleep, your body weight secures whatever is inside the couchette.

Aerosweet is a great airline. The business class cabin is as nice as with North American Carrier

I would agree with Nepophyte and Eugene since taking the train is a lot better idea than taking a plane. At least trains run more or less on time and don't get cancelled due to technical problems or weather. Fastflyer makes a very good point re: 2 bed sleeper compartments, they are much newer and are considered "premium" class. So, if you want to arrive well rested in Odessa from Kiev then train would be the way to go.

Also, if you know someone local who can buy the ticket for you then you'll save even more since tickets for locals are a lot cheaper than to foreigners and this applies to train and plane tickets.