GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Actually I did. A very nice snack indeed.
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atillathehunn
Established Member
I was waiting for the way home today for the comparison.
Today I flew Manchester - Charleroi with Ryanair. A newer/refurbished 737 today, ops by Malta Air. Again, completely full and again on-time. Security for Ryanair flights at Manchester is now much better now that it's not the old T3 set up. Still inane and vaguely brain dead shouting from staff, but less. Through security in <2 minutes. The walk is also now shorter to T3 after security.
Immigration at Charleroi, there are now e-gates for EU passport holders which cuts the queue for manned desks (where all EES activities take place) far down.
On stamping post-EES:
Eindhoven - no one was getting stamped. I usually don't get stamped (Dutch permanent resident) at Dutch airports but could not hear any hint of that satisfying clunk.
Charleroi - stamp happy for non-EU passport holders including British passport holders (it's 50/50 whether I get stamped at Charleroi with my residence card, though 100% at nearby Zaventem).
Passport control both entering and leaving was pretty simple and straight forward and no huge queues anywhere.
Only a couple of data points, YMMV.
ETA: yes, it's very nice to be able to land somewhere other than Schiphol, especially somewhere only 90 minutes front door to front door for me. Eindhoven will close next year for about 6 months, so get it while you can.
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Yes, I had an onward boarding pass. For some reason I thought if I left, I will have caused a no show.
Flew to Beijing the other day from Glasgow via Heathrow. I booked these as separate tickets as the prices from Edinburgh/ Glasgow via Frankfurt were astronomical!
Bit of a nothing flight, nice to get water and crisps but is a far cry from the cooked meals you got 10 years ago. What surprised me was the poor legroom. I fly BA a few times a year and haven't really had an issue, but this time is was noticeable. BA1487 / G-TTNF if that helps.
Next leg was a self transfer to Air China in Terminal 2. I've flown Air China a few times and I don't really mind it given the price. Their website and booking system is impossible to use but had no issues checking in and phoning up their service. The flight itself was nothing special. Food was pretty average and the attendants were efficient, if a little cold. Still would have no issues flying them in the future though, for the right price. I really like the T2 lounges though.
The plane was only about 60% full which was surprising given capacity constraints to the far east and Australia thanks to our transatlantic neighbours...
I'll be flying back in early May which includes a domestic flight on China's own Comac C-919 which I'm looking forward to, followed by Air China's 747 on the upper deck to Frankfurt, which is a rare thing to get to do these days!
Bit of a nothing flight, nice to get water and crisps but is a far cry from the cooked meals you got 10 years ago. What surprised me was the poor legroom. I fly BA a few times a year and haven't really had an issue, but this time is was noticeable. BA1487 / G-TTNF if that helps.
Next leg was a self transfer to Air China in Terminal 2. I've flown Air China a few times and I don't really mind it given the price. Their website and booking system is impossible to use but had no issues checking in and phoning up their service. The flight itself was nothing special. Food was pretty average and the attendants were efficient, if a little cold. Still would have no issues flying them in the future though, for the right price. I really like the T2 lounges though.
The plane was only about 60% full which was surprising given capacity constraints to the far east and Australia thanks to our transatlantic neighbours...
I'll be flying back in early May which includes a domestic flight on China's own Comac C-919 which I'm looking forward to, followed by Air China's 747 on the upper deck to Frankfurt, which is a rare thing to get to do these days!
Yes, I never seem to find cheap prices on LH when I look, even just to FRA.
Yes, BA is basic service wise now, prior to Covid it just buy on board.
Not flown Air China. I have flown China Southern to Australia and for the cheap price its ok, I do find food and drink service more limited on the Chinese carriers.
Bungle158
Member
Mumbai to Gatwick via Tashkent with Uzbekistan Airways last month. (Route chosen to avoid Middle East). A321 ex BOM 787(8) to LGW. Both legs punctual, comfortable cabins and plenty of leg room. The in-flight meals of good quality. TAS-LGW included the normal hot dish and a large cardboard box containing savouries. Plenty of wine or beer. Aircrew were efficient, cheerful and helpful.
Long layover in TAS, I stayed overnight in an hotel. The airport is close to the city. Tiny airport, quick processing but abysmal Duty Free.
I would do it again and possibly will as l I live in India 6 months a year
Long layover in TAS, I stayed overnight in an hotel. The airport is close to the city. Tiny airport, quick processing but abysmal Duty Free.
I would do it again and possibly will as l I live in India 6 months a year
TravelDream
Member
- Joined
- 7 Aug 2016
- Messages
- 1,158
I find the big Chinese airlines, Air China/ China Eastern/ China Southern, to be very similar onboard. They are basically indistinguishable to most travelers. I flew China Southern to London not too long ago. They ran out basically everything (no Coke, orange juice, beer, wine etc. etc.) by the second service.
I have seen LH have some good deals. Though they are not a cheap airline in general.
An update from my post in late April following my return Air China trip from Hangzhou to Glasgow via Beijing and Frankfurt.
Sadly the first leg which was originally set to be a C919 was changed to an A321 a few days before. I guess this was down to increased demand from the labour holiday so not entirely unexpected, but a shame nonetheless. Nothing much to say on this flight other than the person next to me was from Germany so we spent a good portion of the fight discussing our travels.
Next leg was a 10 hour stint in Air China's 747 on the upper deck (B-2487). Every time I fly a 747 I'm convinced it'll be the last time, so it was a great surprise that they kept it on for the summer season. It really is such a smooth plane to fly on and the upper deck still feels like a novelty. Shame that there were no side bins which I've had on every other upper deck 747 but that didn't really matter much. Likewise the food and service didn't have much to write home about, but that didn't fuss me too much given how much cheaper it was compared to other options... And that I got to fly an increasely rare aircraft!
I had a 1 hour connection in Frankfurt which was slightly stressful as Air China weren't able to give me my boarding pass in advance, but I made it with about 5 minutes to spare before boarding. Even better was my bag made it too! The flight to Glasgow was about 50% full on a very elderly but well maintained A319 (D-AILK) and went by pretty quickly.
Sadly the first leg which was originally set to be a C919 was changed to an A321 a few days before. I guess this was down to increased demand from the labour holiday so not entirely unexpected, but a shame nonetheless. Nothing much to say on this flight other than the person next to me was from Germany so we spent a good portion of the fight discussing our travels.
Next leg was a 10 hour stint in Air China's 747 on the upper deck (B-2487). Every time I fly a 747 I'm convinced it'll be the last time, so it was a great surprise that they kept it on for the summer season. It really is such a smooth plane to fly on and the upper deck still feels like a novelty. Shame that there were no side bins which I've had on every other upper deck 747 but that didn't really matter much. Likewise the food and service didn't have much to write home about, but that didn't fuss me too much given how much cheaper it was compared to other options... And that I got to fly an increasely rare aircraft!
I had a 1 hour connection in Frankfurt which was slightly stressful as Air China weren't able to give me my boarding pass in advance, but I made it with about 5 minutes to spare before boarding. Even better was my bag made it too! The flight to Glasgow was about 50% full on a very elderly but well maintained A319 (D-AILK) and went by pretty quickly.
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GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Just did a weeks consultancy in the USA and attended the American Coatings Show in Indianapolis. I tried Aer Lingus. Out was nothing out of the extraordinary - MAN-DUB then precleared etc and DUB to Chicago O'Hare on an A330 then an American Airlines connector to IND.
On the return flight I did the unusual IND-DUB (EI 82 with tail number EI-DEF) and my first transatlantic crossing on that route. It was an A321XLR - really weird 3 seats followed buy a narrow (imho) aisle and another 3 seats. It just felt a little cramped for a transatlantic but super convenient.
On the return flight I did the unusual IND-DUB (EI 82 with tail number EI-DEF) and my first transatlantic crossing on that route. It was an A321XLR - really weird 3 seats followed buy a narrow (imho) aisle and another 3 seats. It just felt a little cramped for a transatlantic but super convenient.
Did it have any other passengers?
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
One word answer - YES.
Longer answer, not totally packed. Business 1st full (I bid for an upgrade but did not get it). Rest was fairly full. I had a window and someone was in the aisle but fortunate enough to have an empty seat between us.
nlogax
Established Member
Recently completed most of a OneWorld RTW ticket, so along the way I experienced some new routes and lounges (for me). I'm already well-versed in JAL and BA's offerings which were extremely positive this time around. As for the rest,
Finnair - Oslo - Helsinki - Narita
Both business class legs, and I think with Finnair I've found my new favourite OW airline when it comes to flying east. Finnair Business seat on their A350-900 was surprisingly good with the updated no-recline seat which still somehow provides a lie-flat bed. Interesting that Finnair often choose to fly the North Pole route to Japan which meant daylight for the entire flight but with A350s featuring old-school window blinds it wasn't really an issue. Absolutely fantastic food, not high-end haute cuisine but basics done really well. Bit of a shame to be charged for their wifi and it was the only long-haul route of the week where this happened.
Qantas - Melbourne - Sydney - Santiago
Again, both business legs and another pair of positive experiences. Domestic Qantas upfront is on a par with domestic US airlines in terms of 2+2 seats / size and comfort and this particular flight featured some really decent (and sizeable) breakfast options. A Dreamliner featured on the run to Chile with more traditional adjustable lie-flat seats and dimmable windows, neither which took away from the experience. The wine menu onboard was particularly decent as you might imagine, and there was the unexpected bonus of PJs which fits with the fact that Qantas needs to accommodate more than its fair share of long-haul routes.
Some new lounges along the way.
Finnair / Helsinki. Huge, and two thirds empty for the few hours I spent in there. Most people tended to hang out in the smaller section with outside views, but thankfully the bar staff in both sides poured some stonking cocktails.
JAL Business / Narita. Not great. Limited food selection, crowded, the whole space needed some tlc and maybe an extension.
Qantas Business / Melbourne. Also huge and relatively quiet ahead of morning flights. Spotless, superb views of the apron and I wish I'd stayed longer. Melbourne seems to be an all-round fantastic airport and a template for how airports should be done.
Qantas Business / Sydney T1. A temporary space while the main lounge is being rebuilt, not at all suited for the volume of passengers trying to get into it. Actually a queue trying to get in which felt a little like LHR T5's main Galleries lounges at peak hours. Also not great.
Now planning the next RTW route which I may nest within or bolt onto the remaining legs of the current one.
Finnair - Oslo - Helsinki - Narita
Both business class legs, and I think with Finnair I've found my new favourite OW airline when it comes to flying east. Finnair Business seat on their A350-900 was surprisingly good with the updated no-recline seat which still somehow provides a lie-flat bed. Interesting that Finnair often choose to fly the North Pole route to Japan which meant daylight for the entire flight but with A350s featuring old-school window blinds it wasn't really an issue. Absolutely fantastic food, not high-end haute cuisine but basics done really well. Bit of a shame to be charged for their wifi and it was the only long-haul route of the week where this happened.
Qantas - Melbourne - Sydney - Santiago
Again, both business legs and another pair of positive experiences. Domestic Qantas upfront is on a par with domestic US airlines in terms of 2+2 seats / size and comfort and this particular flight featured some really decent (and sizeable) breakfast options. A Dreamliner featured on the run to Chile with more traditional adjustable lie-flat seats and dimmable windows, neither which took away from the experience. The wine menu onboard was particularly decent as you might imagine, and there was the unexpected bonus of PJs which fits with the fact that Qantas needs to accommodate more than its fair share of long-haul routes.
Some new lounges along the way.
Finnair / Helsinki. Huge, and two thirds empty for the few hours I spent in there. Most people tended to hang out in the smaller section with outside views, but thankfully the bar staff in both sides poured some stonking cocktails.
JAL Business / Narita. Not great. Limited food selection, crowded, the whole space needed some tlc and maybe an extension.
Qantas Business / Melbourne. Also huge and relatively quiet ahead of morning flights. Spotless, superb views of the apron and I wish I'd stayed longer. Melbourne seems to be an all-round fantastic airport and a template for how airports should be done.
Qantas Business / Sydney T1. A temporary space while the main lounge is being rebuilt, not at all suited for the volume of passengers trying to get into it. Actually a queue trying to get in which felt a little like LHR T5's main Galleries lounges at peak hours. Also not great.
Now planning the next RTW route which I may nest within or bolt onto the remaining legs of the current one.
atillathehunn
Established Member
Another pair of mundane Europe flights this last week for a quick work trip to Rome.
Tuesday 26/05
Ryanair Eindhoven - Rome Fiumicino. Another full flight on a refurbished 737-8. A very warm day leaving Eindhoven with temperatures in the 30s which made the waiting under the canopies above the walkways used in lieu of buses rather sweaty. Smooth flight nonetheless, and a lovely view over the Alps and again on the coast on the approach to FCO. Our corporate TA booked us checked baggage rather than a cabin bag. Bag drop is using the automated system, which is very fast. Security excellent as usual and through in about 30 seconds.
Saturday 30/05
easyJet Rome Fiumicino - Brussels. FCO is a good airport, but far too small for its passenger throughput. Security was very good with the new scanners fully in place. The central area for Schengen flights was a scrum. There are few places to sit and very much dominated by full service restaurants. You can usually find places to sit along the piers, but you always risk being on the wrong pier and a long walk. The flight was full on an older A319. I was the last to check in, but it worked - exit row for free. We were ready to go early, but held by air traffic control restrictions due to thunderstorms en route. We took off after a wait of about 20 minutes and headed off to Brussels. It was a mostly smooth flight, but the approach to Brussels was through some heavy storm activity with a lot of chop (including the hydraulic barking dog airbourne, I have never heard it mid flight). We landed and taxied to a parking area as there was a ground stop due to lightening as a monumental storm broke overhead. We could eventually 'dock' and walk to the terminal. The storm followed me all the way home, with dramatic lightening displays and heavy rain. Welcome home.
Tuesday 26/05
Ryanair Eindhoven - Rome Fiumicino. Another full flight on a refurbished 737-8. A very warm day leaving Eindhoven with temperatures in the 30s which made the waiting under the canopies above the walkways used in lieu of buses rather sweaty. Smooth flight nonetheless, and a lovely view over the Alps and again on the coast on the approach to FCO. Our corporate TA booked us checked baggage rather than a cabin bag. Bag drop is using the automated system, which is very fast. Security excellent as usual and through in about 30 seconds.
Saturday 30/05
easyJet Rome Fiumicino - Brussels. FCO is a good airport, but far too small for its passenger throughput. Security was very good with the new scanners fully in place. The central area for Schengen flights was a scrum. There are few places to sit and very much dominated by full service restaurants. You can usually find places to sit along the piers, but you always risk being on the wrong pier and a long walk. The flight was full on an older A319. I was the last to check in, but it worked - exit row for free. We were ready to go early, but held by air traffic control restrictions due to thunderstorms en route. We took off after a wait of about 20 minutes and headed off to Brussels. It was a mostly smooth flight, but the approach to Brussels was through some heavy storm activity with a lot of chop (including the hydraulic barking dog airbourne, I have never heard it mid flight). We landed and taxied to a parking area as there was a ground stop due to lightening as a monumental storm broke overhead. We could eventually 'dock' and walk to the terminal. The storm followed me all the way home, with dramatic lightening displays and heavy rain. Welcome home.
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flymo
Established Member
I had a little trip HKG to Clark (CRK) in The Philippines this week courtesy of Cebu Pacific, a low cost carrier but pleasant enough. I got RP-C4103 on the way out, and then back on RP-C4136, both A320. The flight is around 1h40m each way so not too long and each leg full, although the return leg did have a few no-shows needing bags to be offloaded. Can't quite see how they missed the flight if they were checked in as CRK is not a big airport, maybe they checked in online and got caught up in the weather as it was tipping it down. Anyway the service was basic but efficient, I never order any meals on these flights as simply not worth it, but some people did do. No entertainment of course on board and minimum turn around times mean cabin cleanliness leaves a bit to be desired, A crushed up biscuit covered the floor where I sat and then got more crushed into the carpet. All in all, for what you pay, its not a bad service. If no bags or anything you could get a one-way fare for £40, sometimes less. Very bumpy flight coming back with the seat belt sign on for 60% of the 100 minute flight.
Took off from HKG via gate 19 which is over the skybridge in T1, always fun seeing a plane taxiing underneath you. Landing back at HKG we got parked at a remote stand (S107 if you know the airport layout) and got a bus to the terminal, actually that was easier than the usual scrum on the shuttle train from some of the higher numbered stands, Landed on 07L at 2130 with a 'spirited' taxi for 15 mins and ages to deplane meaning exiting the airport in 45 minutes from landing even with no bags. My record for a Cathay flight is 9 minutes from touching down to exiting the airport. Lol. I'll never be that lucky again.
Image is of part of CRK, this was not the plane I got as it had gotten dark by then and was from Gate 209, other side of the terminal.
Took off from HKG via gate 19 which is over the skybridge in T1, always fun seeing a plane taxiing underneath you. Landing back at HKG we got parked at a remote stand (S107 if you know the airport layout) and got a bus to the terminal, actually that was easier than the usual scrum on the shuttle train from some of the higher numbered stands, Landed on 07L at 2130 with a 'spirited' taxi for 15 mins and ages to deplane meaning exiting the airport in 45 minutes from landing even with no bags. My record for a Cathay flight is 9 minutes from touching down to exiting the airport. Lol. I'll never be that lucky again.
Image is of part of CRK, this was not the plane I got as it had gotten dark by then and was from Gate 209, other side of the terminal.
atillathehunn
Established Member
Another week, another pair of intra-Europe LCC flights.
Friday 5th
Eindhoven - Stansted with Ryanair. Security is always quick here, <2 minutes. Passport control also very quick, <2 minutes. Late departing due to cascading delay from the plane being late on the previous Murcia - Stansted run.
Flight full, randomly allocated an aisle seat. A smooth 35 minute flight and a sprightly taxi is always let down by the inter-'terminal' train.
Sunday 7th
Stansted - Eindhoven with Ryanair (unrefurbished and long in the tooth frame for this run). Security was busy, taking about 15 minutes. It's very much unclear why MAG airports seem to specialise in people shouting in the security lanes. Incessantly inanely shouting something is a good way for people to tune out. The security hall looks tatty, though there are new security machines. The rest of the terminal is miserable. The central seating area has been full any time I have been, and walking further away risks long walks (or even the shuttle) back to your gate. A very warm - even in this cooler weather - and overcrowded experience. Another full flight, though we pushed back pretty much on time, and with a short taxi and good routing we arrived about 15 minutes early, which was all eroded waiting for stairs. This was my 100th flight with Ryanair, and 399th total.
Friday 5th
Eindhoven - Stansted with Ryanair. Security is always quick here, <2 minutes. Passport control also very quick, <2 minutes. Late departing due to cascading delay from the plane being late on the previous Murcia - Stansted run.
Flight full, randomly allocated an aisle seat. A smooth 35 minute flight and a sprightly taxi is always let down by the inter-'terminal' train.
Sunday 7th
Stansted - Eindhoven with Ryanair (unrefurbished and long in the tooth frame for this run). Security was busy, taking about 15 minutes. It's very much unclear why MAG airports seem to specialise in people shouting in the security lanes. Incessantly inanely shouting something is a good way for people to tune out. The security hall looks tatty, though there are new security machines. The rest of the terminal is miserable. The central seating area has been full any time I have been, and walking further away risks long walks (or even the shuttle) back to your gate. A very warm - even in this cooler weather - and overcrowded experience. Another full flight, though we pushed back pretty much on time, and with a short taxi and good routing we arrived about 15 minutes early, which was all eroded waiting for stairs. This was my 100th flight with Ryanair, and 399th total.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Anything special planned for your 400th flight?
atillathehunn
Established Member
My next booked flight - so in theory the 400th - will be a Dash-8 from Luxembourg to Copenhagen. While neither luxurious nor particularly exotic, it will be with my partner on our way to meet some very dear friends for a reunion and most of all, I am very grateful it won't be a Ryanair 737.
The Dash-8 has played an important role in my flying history: they have linked our family together for years in various places including in my university days nearly 15 years ago, and they became part of the humanitarian fleet in Kenya taking me too and from the camps.
However that's 3 weeks away, and there's a chance a trip to Ghana gets slotted between now and then, which then entail a Brussels Airlines A332 becomes my 400th flight. Not as good.
frodshamfella
Established Member
My regular flight route is Liverpool to Faro. Ive used all the airline options, Ryanair,.Jet2 and Easyjet. Its been Easyjet more this year, as the timings have suited me best, but it varies from year to year. Liverpool Airport ive always found very good to use, security is very swift. My last return back from Faro, the passport control area leaving, was pretty horrendous, huge queue for post Brexit Brits, then the IT system stopped working, and we just didn't move, one chap collapsed and needed medical assistance. Fortunately we began to move fairly quickly once again, I think they went back to the manual system. Fingers crossed for peak summer season.
TravelDream
Member
- Joined
- 7 Aug 2016
- Messages
- 1,158
Feel like I am falling behind. Only seven flights/ two journeys this year so far. ;P
Flew Stansted - Prague - Budapest - Stansted in the last two weeks. Flights all with you know who and decent enough. All full as well.
Prague was stunning as always. Though surprisingly packed given it was still May and not a school holiday as far as I could tell. I love the city and have been several times (the first time almost two decades ago now!), but I think it's definitely one to be avoided in the peak summer season as it is getting uncomfortably busy. Went to a good friend's wedding in Pilsen which certainly is worth a visit too.
Budapest is a lot more spread out so feels a lot less busy. To be fair, it probably was less busy too. Also a very beautiful city in the centre, but a lot rougher around the edges and noticeably poorer and less developed than the Czech Republic or Poland IMO. Though it was my first visit and we were only there five days/ four nights.
It's actually got a fairly nice design and is very bright, but agree with your 'miserable' comment based on the fact it is always so crowded. The number of people lying/ sitting on the floor in relatively narrow areas doesn't help either.
For seating, if you go downstairs right next to the people mover, there are generally seats available without too much issue.
If you're willing to spend money, upstairs in Wetherspoons usually has seats available too and the prices are basically normal London level.
Flew Stansted - Prague - Budapest - Stansted in the last two weeks. Flights all with you know who and decent enough. All full as well.
Prague was stunning as always. Though surprisingly packed given it was still May and not a school holiday as far as I could tell. I love the city and have been several times (the first time almost two decades ago now!), but I think it's definitely one to be avoided in the peak summer season as it is getting uncomfortably busy. Went to a good friend's wedding in Pilsen which certainly is worth a visit too.
Budapest is a lot more spread out so feels a lot less busy. To be fair, it probably was less busy too. Also a very beautiful city in the centre, but a lot rougher around the edges and noticeably poorer and less developed than the Czech Republic or Poland IMO. Though it was my first visit and we were only there five days/ four nights.
It's actually got a fairly nice design and is very bright, but agree with your 'miserable' comment based on the fact it is always so crowded. The number of people lying/ sitting on the floor in relatively narrow areas doesn't help either.
For seating, if you go downstairs right next to the people mover, there are generally seats available without too much issue.
If you're willing to spend money, upstairs in Wetherspoons usually has seats available too and the prices are basically normal London level.
There was a quiet area of seating downstairs but this has been shut off and other seating downstairs limited to on the Bridge. I have flown from STN a fair few times recently and starting to get sick of it!
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
2 new airports and routes for me today.
BHX-BHD and then BHD to MAN -------- BHX = Birmingham International, BHD = Belfast City George Best
Flew Aer Lingus with an ATR 72 for both legs
BHX-BHD and then BHD to MAN -------- BHX = Birmingham International, BHD = Belfast City George Best
Flew Aer Lingus with an ATR 72 for both legs
atillathehunn
Established Member
A bold day to fly to Belfast.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Strong police presence at the airport but I felt totally safe.
Compare to most of the US, Belfast is statistically very safe, even on days like yesterday!
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
Precisely!
Flew into Belfast City for the first time. We were so early had to hold for the airport to open at 0630am. Belfast City appears to be a neat and tidy airport. I had to wait over 30 minutes for the 600 bus to Belfast City Centre as just missed one.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
It really is a nice airport imho.
I have yet to fly from BHD, I will at somepoint on Aer Lingus or Easyjet.
I flew back from BFS, which has had an upgrade internally. Both airports have a few airbridges too.
GRALISTAIR
Established Member
BFS in one of the next UK airports for me to fly in/out of. NQY and STN are next in 16 days time.
Just flown commercially for the first time in 7 years to connect with a Svalbard cruise at Longyearbyen. Pushed the boat out with business class seat with Mrs Pegpilot from LHR to Helsinki and was gob-smacked to find that the 10.20 am Finnair flight was a long-haul configured A350-real luxury for a two and a half hour European flight - I'm guessing the early morning flight from Helsinki in to LHR is pretty busy, hence the need for more seats than an A320 (not so lucky on return as it WAS a bog standard A320). Onward flight to and from Svalbard was a Polish charter called Enter Air operating pretty spartan 737-800's. My first experience of EU entry was Helsinki which saw us queue for 45 minutes but to be fair the queue handlers were pretty good at weeding out the short connection pax and speeding them through. Pretty galling, though, to watch the EU citizens speed through the automatic gates. As for Svalbard, just "gosh"!