Easyjet A319 economy class

Published: 30/11/2011 - Filed under: Tried & Tested » Airlines » Tried & Tested » Tried & Tested » Airlines » Easyjet »

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CHECK-IN I arrived at Naples airport, which is about 15 minutes by taxi from the city centre, at 1515. I had checked in online beforehand and printed my boarding pass but still had a suitcase to drop off. My 1655 flight, EZY3362 to London Stansted, was designated desks 43-47 to the right of the entrance.

There was a long queue for check-in but only one person ahead of me at the bag-drop/Speedy Boarding Plus desk, which was a relief. (I wondered why all more people didn’t check-in online in advance.) I was processed quickly and directed to Gate B15.

From the ground-floor check-in zone I took the escalators up to the security area on the first floor. I was through quickly as there were five X-ray machines in operation and passengers were only going through in dribs and drabs. I was airside by 1530.

There were numerous shops and cafes for last-minute purchases and I stopped for a Gran Crema iced coffee before heading down another set of escalators to the gate. In this lower departure area are more stores, bars and eateries. I had to go through passport control to get to gates B6-15. The gate was due to close at 1630, so as it was only 1600 at this stage, I still had plenty of time to relax.

BOARDING I found a seat near to where I expected boarding to begin (I never bother buying Speedy Boarding) as it was busy and I wanted to get a descent seat on the plane. At 1615 there was an announcement in Italian saying that boarding was starting and everyone leapt up from their seats to get in line. Boarding passes and passports were then checked.

Those who had paid for Speedy Boarding were herded into a separate area, while the rest of us were kept waiting next to them. At 1630 we were allowed to board one of two shuttle buses, which then drove us to the plane, five minutes away. Once on the tarmac, passengers started running to get up the steps to the front and back at the aircraft – something I have never seen before.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? I walked briskly to the steps at the back and, once on board, chose exit row seat 11A by a window. (Row ten is also an exit row.) These are the best places to be if you are tall. Avoid middle seats B and F as you may feel claustrophobic.

THE SEAT The seats are configured 3-3 (A-B-C, D-E-F) on this A319 and have a fairly tight pitch (29in/74cm), but being in an exit row I had a bit more legroom. Passengers in these seats also have to be prepared to stow all luggage in overhead bins during take-off and landing as nothing can be left on the floor that might impede an evacuation. The orange headrest covers had the usual adverts on them.

THE FLIGHT Once everyone was on board at 1645, the captain announced that air traffic control (ATC) had informed him there was a problem getting a slot because of thunderstorms in Eastern Europe and a delay of up to one hour 15 minutes could be expected, although he would continue liaising with ATC the whole time. A collective groan came through the cabin.

In the meantime, passengers were allowed to use their mobile phones and unclip their seatbelts. However, after just three minutes, the crew put the seatbelt signs back on so that they could do the safety demonstration. At 1705 the pilot came on to say that ATC said there would be a further 90-minute wait for a slot, but then five minutes later said that there would actually be one available in 15 minutes. Adding: “Good news, as I just phoned my wife to tell her I would be late for tea but now she’ll get a nice surprise.” Too much information.

Water was handed out by crew at 1715, and at five minutes later the plane pushed back from the gate. Take-off was at 1730. At 1740, copies of The Sunday Times were offered for £2.20, and at 1800 the refreshment service began. Although this didn’t last long as there was a bout of turbulence, which meant they had to temporarily suspend it.

Once it started again, I ordered a 330ml can of Stella and a cheese and tomato Panini, just to see how bad it was. A bag of salted pretzels came free. The sandwich, served hot, was edible – the tomato was fresh, the mozzarella appropriately elastic and there were even a couple of fresh basil leaves in it, although the bread was a little tough and the list of ingredients was worryingly long. Still, it staved off hunger, which was the main objective.

ARRIVAL The plane started its descent into London Stansted at 1930, landing 15 minutes later at 1945 (1845 local time) on time. Disembarkation was fairly quick and I was at baggage reclaim by 2005.

VERDICT Although there was some delay to take-off, we made up the time en route and landed on schedule. Crew were organised and friendly, handing out cups of water to keep everyone hydrated during the wait. A good budget service.

FACT FILE:

SEAT CONFIGURATION 3-3

SEAT PITCH 29in/74cm

SEAT WIDTH 17.5in/44.5cm

SEAT RECLINE 4in/10cm

PRICE Internet rates for a return economy class flight from London in January started from £53.

CONTACT easyjet.com

Jenny Southan

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