Welcome, to my long anticipated review of Air Dolomiti.This airline has always been different. But different in a good way.
It all starts off at check in. Lufthansa has decided to make all baggage drops automatic; therefore very inconvenient when traveling as a group. So we went to group baggage drop who sorted everything out. I still had 3 hours to go until my flight so I decided to check out the spotting area. I was very impressed since it was landside, even though the views of the runway weren't great
LH A346 and A332 viewed from the observation deck
After a quick lunch at McDonalds, I proceeded through security which was a pleasant experience. Other airports could learn by actually keeping lanes open!! There was literally no queue. Once airside I was greeted by a BMW i8
BMW i8
Knowing how long the walk to a gate at MUC can be, I set out early. And it was a very long walk. But I did arrive at the gate on time
Flight to BLQ on gate screen
After a rather long wait, we were bussed to the aircraft. Most people moan and groan when having to be bussed to the aircraft, but I really enjoy being on the airside roads. It was a very long ride though. Once at the aircraft the ground staff kept us in the bus as a Mercedes S class arrived to load the business class passengers. After what seemed a long wait, we were then also allowed to board.
Boarding the Embraer
Once on board I was greeted with a friendly Ciao and was handed some magnetic game. Nice touch. The crew was great but some of the terminology could have been better. For example instead of Sir, do you speak English they just shouted English?. I just have to agree with Lucky(from Boarding Area)that the flight attendants remind one of this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch'v=1EuP5zdpNCM
Legroom on the E-195
Wing view
After a very short taxi and a very bouncy landing by a Turkish 737-900 we began a very long takeoff roll.
It will be uploaded to YouTube at some point.
After takeoff we encountered some light chop. Due to the unexpectedness of the Alps, the seat-belt signs were left on for the entire flight. The snack service was completed very swiftly. And now to the trolleys. They had fridge magnets plastered all over it showing the airlines home. The actual snack itself consisted of 30g of salty crispy stuff and 30g of sweet biscuit stuff. Perfect for such a short flight. This was accompanied by a cup of orange juice.
Inflight Snacks
Inflight orange juice served in a nice cup
Branded serviettes as well!
What happens if you start getting bored on intra-european :)
No nice views today
Starting descent into BLQ
After a quick flight time we started our descent into BLQ. It looked like it was going to be bumpy but it stayed surprisingly smooth. The only thing was that you could hardly see the winglets.
The view
Just before the gear came down. I then filmed the landing which hasnt been uploaded yet.
The landing was nice and firm and was then only a quick taxi to the gate.
The cabin of the E-195
After leaving the aircraft we were bussed to the domestic arrivals and were out within half an hour.
Please note that it was from MUC Franz Joseph Straus not the old Reim.
I too enjoy reaching the aircraft by bus, unless picture opportunities are nil. Waiting in the bus when I could take pictures of the aircraft is an inconvenience, though.
Salty AND sweet stuff to eat ? Air Dolomiti must make Air France managers shudder at the thought of such liberal catering on an hour long flight ! :)
Thanks for this comprehensive report !
PS : the flight should be referenced EN1860
I used LH because it was booked through Lufthansa. I will add EN as well though.
Thanks for this FR on airline which is hard to fly on if you're not living in Italy/Germany.
Decent service in economy for such a short flight!
Thanks for this FR. I`ve been to BLQ once before and it was an absolutely nightmare. Specially since it was in the middle of summer and our flight with KL got cancelled..
Anyway, the service seems to be decent on Air Dolomiti, great quality on the pictures and good descriptions too. Keep em coming.
BLQ,no immigration due to the flight being intra EU but the baggage took forever to arrive. Almost as bad as tegel. The amount of traffic there is surpirsing too. There was actually a queue for takeoff.