Perfect flights
Written: Jan 02 '03 (Updated Jan 02 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Professional and happy crew; planes are immaculate
Cons: Boarding sometimes uses a bus at JFK
The Bottom Line: A very nice series of flights, like the good old days.
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| derk99's Full Review: Malev Hungarian Airlines |
Having spent considerable time in Eastern Europe, I have had to fly Malev, the national carrier of Hungary, many times. The airline has never ceased to impress me.
It may be because Hungarians flew so infrequently compared to Americans or just that their aircraft are so new, but the experience on board...ranging from food to crew... was great.
Although at one time the airline was flying older Soviet planes, those have been thankfully all phased out in favor of current models, namely:
Boeing 767-200ER
Boeing 737-300
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-500
CRJ-200
Fokker 70
Because Hungary has no intra-country air service, all planes stop at the airport in Budapest, which is a little confusing in its layout. But Malev personnel on the ground are eager to help.
Malev currently has a code-share with Northwest and KLM, which makes for convenient connections in Amsterdam, especially.
When flying to Hungary from the USA, try to get on a Malev-flagged plane (versus a NWA codeshare.) It reminds me of the "good old days" of air travel, with a happy, multiligual crew, great food (bread to die for) and new planes.
I love the eastern European custom of applauding on landing, which happens a lot on Malev-branded flights.
There seems to be more flight attendants per flight on Malev flights versus USA flights as well. That could change as Malev is suffering through financial troubles like any other airline (except Southwest).
Zagat's even ranked them pretty good.
http://www.zagat.com/download/2001/PDF/zagat_2001_int_airlines.pdf
The airline's safety record is very good, as well.
The downside? Since the airline does not have permanent gates in the USA, it often has to park in the back 40 and passengers have to take a bus to the plane.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
derk99
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Location: Midwest, USA
Reviews written: 86
Trusted by: 5 members
About Me:
I am a happily married man with 8 wonderful kids.
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