Czech Airlines B737-400 business class

Published: 07/04/2009 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Czech Airlines »

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Background Czech Airlines flies twice a day from London Heathrow to its base in Prague, departing at 0735 (arriving at 1030) and 1440 (arriving at 1745), and four times a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday departing at 2115 (arriving at 0015).

Czech Airlines is 91.5 per cent-owned by the Czech government, which recently put the state carrier up for sale. Initial bids have been received by four entities – fellow Skyteam airlines Air France-KLM and Aeroflot, as well as private equity investment firm Odien, and a joint bid by charter airline Travel Service and Czech company Unimex Group. The successful bidder is likely to be known in September.

Check-in I arrived at a near-empty London Heathrow T2 at 1230 for my 1435 departure on flight OK651. There were six Air France-branded self check-in kiosks, as well as two business class desks and three economy bag-drops. I headed to the business class desks rather than using the self-service machines, as I knew I would need to collect a lounge pass – both were occupied so I was waved over to an economy desk and was quickly checked in. Security (one level up from check-in) was also extremely quiet, and I was airside by about 1250.

The lounge Czech Airlines shares the Air France lounge at T2 with other Skyteam members, and it is located near Gates 11-19, with my flight departing from Gate 13. I was one of just four people in the lounge when I arrived, although it did fill out a little during my time there. It is a fairly simple affair, and given the terminal will be closing soon (see the April edition of Business Traveller for a report on terminal developments at Heathrow), it’s unlikely there will be any changes to it this year.

There is a bank of three new-looking computer terminals at the far end of the lounge, and wifi internet access is available through T-Mobile. Other facilities include a variety of UK, US and French newspapers and magazines, a flatscreen TV, and a self-service snack area, with beverages, muffins, energy bars, crisps and nuts. There are, however, no toilets in the lounge, so you have to exit the area and follow directions to a set of public toilets. The flight was called by staff at 1415.

Boarding The flight had already started boarding when I arrived at the gate, and once on board my coat was taken and a drink offered. In business class, ten of the 12 seats were taken, with economy looking fairly full. The aircraft taxied at 1450 and was airborne by 1500.

The seat There were three rows of business class seats (rows two to four, as the first row is taken up by storage spaces) in a 2-2 layout, with the familiar strategy of keeping the middle seat with a table attached to it. Seat stats are: 56-cm width, 89-cm pitch, and 25 degrees recline.

Where to sit? I was sat in seat 2A, with no passenger beside me. I would normally opt for an aisle seat so that I can get up and stretch or visit the toilet without disturbing anyone, but on a short flight like this I decided it would be nice to have a window seat. Personally I think the front row is the best option as it ensures there will be no disruption from the passenger in front reclining their seat. I noticed that the storage cupboard on the right-hand side was set a couple of inches further forward than that on the left, so if you’re after a little extra legroom, opt for seats 2D or 2F.

The flight The pilot informed us that the flight would take one hour and 35 minutes, meaning touchdown would be at 1735 taking into account the time difference. Once the seatbelt signs had been switched off, a meal was served with metal cutlery and a tablecloth. There was no menu, and I’m not entirely sure what the main course was – it definitely contained rice and vegetables, with some sort of meat, but was not the greatest in-flight meal I have ever tasted. The accompanying salad with blue cheese and cherry tomatoes, however, was crispy and fresh, and there was also a choice of warm rolls and a chocolate and coconut dessert.

Arrival As predicted, we touched down at exactly 1735 (ten minutes ahead of schedule), and were at the stand almost immediately. We were then disembarked so quickly that with hand luggage only, I was outside the airport just over five minutes after landing, which was very impressive. Prague Ruzyne airport is around 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre and bus number 119 connects with the underground system (allow 45 minutes if travelling into town this way).

Verdict A hassle-free check-in at Heathrow and a wonderfully quick arrivals process in Prague. The extra space in business class is welcome, and the seat is perfectly adequate for a short flight such as this.

Price Return business class flights from London to Prague started from £293 online in late May.

Contact czechairlines.com

By Mark Caswell

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