IB CAI-MAD
 

I posted this in the other European airlines section but it hasn't had any responses...so I figure someone here has does this flight.

I'm scheduled to take the IB flight from CAI to MAD in business. What can I expect in terms of service etc? Will this be just like there normal intra-European service? I know the plane is configured as a normal european config. Any experiences would be appreciated.

Nothing special - just their standard intra-European service. The flight gets into CAI rather late which is not much fun.



[This message has been edited by millionmiler (edited Dec 06, 2003).]

But didn't the post say CAI-MAD?

The flight leaves Cairo around 1.30 am and stops in Barcelona in the middle of the night before arriving in Madrid around 6.30 am. So-called business class is identical to economy as far as seating is concerned. It is a grueling experience. You would be far better off taking the BA flight to LHR and transferring, even if it would take a bit longer.

I agree, but I can't as I want to travel LHR-DXB-LHR and it would cost me an additional $1,100. Not worth it if you ask me!

I know what you mean. The reason I was on IB in the first place was an issue involving number of segments on a rtw itinerary.

Assuming that this is your first RTW segment, the best part of the flight will be arriving in MAD and accessing the Velazquez lounge in Terminal 1. It is not a "grueling" flight by any means and most certainly beats taking a red-eye on any AA 757 aircraft.

There are a few ways to get reasonably comfortable in the IB seat. My preference is the inflatable neck pillow, which I find helpful to use with some of the carriers biz class seats.

Do you have to book & buy with IB to get a AONE5 originating in CAI? I would much prefer to book and ticket with BA or AA.
Any info on this?

You are free to choose any one of the three (IB, BA, AA) although whether or not they will ticket you may be based on either your originating flight or to whom you give your long haul business.

You may book and purchase your RTW with any Oneworld carrier. However, I believe the ticket must be issued and paid for in CAI in order to secure the ex-CAI fare.