CHECK-IN
I arrived at Tenerife South at 0920 for my 1140 departure on flight EZY2038 to London Luton, and proceeded to Easyjet desks 44-47 to drop a bag, having checked in online. Check-in had not yet opened but a long queue had already built up. Two desks opened at 0935, followed by another two at 1000. Easyjet Plus passengers could bypass the queue – I wasn’t one of these so didn’t reach the desk until 1010. Upstairs at security there was also a queue, so it was nearly 1025 by the time I was airside.
BOARDING
I went to Gate 13 and took a seat. Passengers were invited to form a queue at 1100. Boarding started ten minutes later, with families called forward after Speedy Boarding customers. An immigration officer checked passports before boarding. You could board from the front or back of the aircraft; I was in my seat, 25C, just after 1120.
THE SEAT
This 180-seat A320 had 31 rows configured 3-3 (A-B-C only in the back two rows – see seatplan). Easyjet received its first 186-seat A320 in June – the fleet is gradually being refitted, with all A320s expected to have 186 seats by summer 2018.
This aircraft featured the airline’s older seating, unlike the aircraft on my outbound journey, which had the newer slimline version, reviewed here. Upholstered in grey fabric with a square print, it has the same pitch as the slimline seat – 29 inches – although it felt like I had less space, perhaps because the footprint of the seat itself is slightly larger. I still had enough room (I’m five-foot-three), although tall people would have found it tight.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE
Row one and exit rows 12 and 13 offer the most legroom and come at an extra charge (Easyjet Plus passengers can choose one of these seats for free). Avoid the back row as it’s closest to the washrooms. Service started from the front and the exit rows, if you like to be served first.
THE FLIGHT
The flight was busy and we departed on time. Service started at 1205, and reached me at 1240. I had a hot focaccia caprese, which took 15 minutes to arrive, plus a Diet Coke and a mini box of Pringles as part of the mix-and-match meal deal (£6.50). The flight passed peacefully, and a second refreshment service took place later on.
ARRIVAL
We touched down early at 1540. Disembarkation was quick and it didn’t take long either to clear immigration or pick up my bag.
VERDICT
Queuing times at Tenerife South were long but the service was punctual, the crew were welcoming and the flight was comfortable.
PRICE
Internet rates for a return flight from London Luton to Tenerife South in November started from £88, with a 20kg piece of hold luggage costing £42.
CONTACT
