Flying Back to UK - Egypt Air

Flying home to see family for Christmas. Booked a flight with Egypt Air on Lastminute, cheapest one I could get (pushing 600 quid). As I usually fly with Etihad I thought it a good oppo to see how another airline compares.

In short, Egypt Air is a bit naff, compared with Etihad. The planes were pretty ancient in comparison, everything a little worn, a little tired. No entertainment system etc.

The overhead lockers were a massive cause of frustration before take off. The (male and female) dollys had trouble shutting them; consequently they would randomly crash down on peoples bonses. These lockers have a lock at either end, and so have to be shut with two hands, each at opposite ends and pushed firmly. Rocket science it isn't.... The dollys seemed to have great difficulty with this concept... Making me wonder how on earth this lot built the pyramids....

But in defence, Egypt Air made for fascinating people watching.

Egyptians come in all shapes and colours. Some are very tall, lean, dark skinned, asian eyes... some are olive skinned, short, afro hair.... others are white skinned, blonde, blue eyed.... Some have blonde, afro hair, romany skin, and asian eyes! A complete melting pot of colours and tones, but all speaking the same husky accent..... Interesting.

Landing and taking off is a little more worrying in these old planes. I noticed I was sitting over the wing on both flights.... having heard that this is statistically the safest part of the plane in a crash situation, I thought I may just make it out alive.. The nerves weren't helped by the dozen or so lockers that crashed down as the planes wheels met solid ground..

But in fairness the staff were all really friendly, and despite the age of the old bus, the pilot took off and touched down very smoothly (the only real way I can judge a pilot).

So in comparision, I reckon Egypt Air need to free up some cash to spend on their fleet. Flying with someone like Etihad is far more comfy, if only because the entertainment keeps you occupied for a couple of hours at a time..... Without it, you have too much time to ponder, boredly musing away the endless hours within a cramped, fart-filled, cigar shaped tin can.

Not a good look.

Comments

[Mike]

Ben, no entertainment, was it a dry flight too given where it originates?

Bet you are loving it back home, got your thermals and snow shoes?

Merry Christmas.

[Ben Shingleton]

Dry flight - not sure - There were screens dotted about on the ceiling of the plane, but they were switched off on first leg, but did show x1 film on the 2nd leg, so to be fair, there was a little entertainment.

Looks like a white Christmas where we are in Essex, no sign of the snow thawing...! One extreme to the other! Thanks Mike Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Catherine]

Ben, (shudder) you are more brave than I.

Just stopping off to leave a ho ho ho... (and I hope you are getting snow...)

[Ben Shingleton]

:) - Thanks Cat, not brave, just desperate! (or stupid?)

Have a great Christmas back in Thailand! We're not going to be a white Christmas here in Essex unfortunately, more like an 'icey' Christmas (and bloody cold!)