Azores Airlines: A Comfortable Way To Travel?

is it good to to travel azores airlines

If you're looking to travel to the Azores, you'll be pleased to know that there are several routes to choose from, especially if you're travelling from the United States, Canada, or mainland Europe. The best way to reach the Azores is by air, as there are no ferries to the islands (except for inter-island travel).

One of the airlines offering flights to the Azores is Azores Airlines, which operates year-round flights from Boston, New York City, and Toronto to Ponta Delgada, the archipelago's hub. Many flights then continue on to Porto, Portugal's mainland, and the island of Madeira. In the summer, Azores Airlines also offers direct flights from the US to these destinations and, as of summer 2024, to Milan, Italy, with a stop in Ponta Delgada.

While the airline offers affordable prices and convenient direct flights, reviews of Azores Airlines are mixed, with some passengers praising the airline for its good service and others criticising it for issues like delays, lost luggage, and poor customer service.

So, is it good to travel with Azores Airlines? The answer depends on your priorities and tolerance for risk. If you're looking for a cheap and direct flight to the Azores and you don't mind potentially dealing with some delays or customer service challenges, then Azores Airlines could be a good option. However, if you value reliable service and robust customer support, you may want to consider other airlines that fly to the Azores, such as TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, or British Airways.

Characteristics Values
Direct flights from the US New York, Boston, Oakland
Direct flights from Canada Toronto, Montreal
Direct flights from Europe Germany, France, Switzerland, UK, Portugal, Spain, Czechia, Netherlands
Hubs Ponta Delgada, Lajes, Pico, Horta, São Jorge, Flores, Graciosa, Santa Maria, Corvo
Inter-island flights SATA Air Açores
In-flight entertainment Limited film and TV options, no seatback monitors
Food and drink One option for the whole plane, free wine
Luggage Strict weight limit for carry-on luggage, standard checked luggage rules
Customer service Poor pre-flight customer service, limited daily flights

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Azores Airlines' customer service

Azores Airlines Customer Service

Azores Airlines is the only airline that flies directly to the Azores from the United States and Canada. It also offers direct flights from several destinations in Europe, including Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Portugal.

Reviews of Azores Airlines' customer service are mixed. Some passengers report significant issues with delays, lost luggage, and poor customer service. One passenger noted that the airline's customer service team seemed indifferent to their concerns. Others have praised the airline for its kind and helpful staff, with some reporting no delays or lost baggage.

Several passengers have noted that delays are common, but often due to weather conditions. One passenger advised that, if you plan for potential delays, you "won't be disappointed". Another passenger shared that, while they experienced a delay, the airline handed out meal vouchers during the wait.

Azores Airlines has also received positive reviews for its pet policy, with one passenger commenting that they "always go well" when travelling with dogs. Additionally, the airline has been commended for its treatment of families travelling with young children, with one passenger describing their experience flying with a two-year-old as the "best experience flying with a kid ever".

In terms of in-flight service, Azores Airlines offers complimentary wine or beer, as well as a hot meal with dessert on certain routes. However, one passenger noted that the food was only "edible".

When it comes to baggage, it's important to be mindful of the weight restrictions. The airline enforces an 8kg limit for carry-on luggage, and passengers have reported being charged over $100 Euros for overweight luggage.

Overall, while some passengers have expressed dissatisfaction with Azores Airlines' customer service, others have shared positive experiences, particularly highlighting the airline's safety, convenience, and accommodating staff.

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The airline's in-flight experience

The Airlines' In-Flight Experience

Azores Airlines, formerly known as SATA, is a Portuguese carrier that offers flights to its hub destination, the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, located off the coast of Portugal. The airline also operates flights from its base in the Azores to the Portuguese mainland, as well as to North America and mainland Europe.

In terms of the in-flight experience, here is what you can expect:

  • The airline operates Airbus-320 planes, which have rows with six seats across, a middle aisle, and limited legroom.
  • The planes do not have seatback monitors for entertainment. Instead, passengers can use their own devices to access a limited selection of films and TV shows.
  • Wi-Fi is available for purchase starting at €8 per flight for minimal broadband.
  • The flight attendants have been described as taciturn, with limited interaction beyond the necessary service.
  • The food and drink options are limited. Meals are typically uninspiring, with only one option for the entire plane, such as bland chicken or pasta in a cream sauce. Drinks are also limited, with no carbonated options like soda or sparkling water. However, passengers can choose between red or white wine to accompany their meal at no extra charge.
  • Carry-on baggage restrictions are strict, with a weight limit of around 8kg for a standard-sized wheel-aboard bag.
  • The boarding process can be disorganized, with priority and family boarding not always well-managed.
  • The airline offers the option to upgrade from economy to business class, and these upgrades can sometimes be purchased for as little as $200. The business class product, particularly on the A310, has been described as better than domestic first class in the US.
  • Overall, the in-flight experience has been described as "not actively unpleasant," but some travellers note that there are comparable inexpensive carriers that offer a slightly higher level of service.

So, while Azores Airlines may offer convenient routes and competitive prices, particularly for travel to and from the Azores, travellers should be prepared for a no-frills in-flight experience with limited amenities and service.

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The range of destinations served

As of January 2024, Azores Airlines serves a range of destinations across the world, including several airports in North America, Europe, and Africa. The airline offers both regularly scheduled services and charter flights to various international airports.

In North America, Azores Airlines serves airports in the United States and Canada. In the US, the airline offers direct flights to Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK, EWR) from its hub in Ponta Delgada (PDL). These routes cater to both tourists and the strong Azorean community living in these countries. From Canada, Azores Airlines connects Ponta Delgada (PDL) and Terceira (TER) airports to Toronto and Montreal, offering a direct link to the large Azorean population in Canada.

In Europe, Azores Airlines provides direct flights to several destinations during the summer months. These include Prague (PRH) in Czechia, Paris (CDG) in France, Frankfurt (FRA) and Nuremberg (NUE) in Germany, Amsterdam (AMS) in the Netherlands, Lisbon (LIS), Porto (OPO), and Funchal (FNC) in Portugal, Bilbao (BIO) and Barcelona (BCN) in Spain, Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH) in Switzerland, and London Stansted (STN) and London Heathrow (LHR) in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the airline offers connections to other European cities through partner airlines.

Azores Airlines also operates flights to Cape Verde in Africa, with direct services to Praia (RAI).

The airline's strongest hub is Ponta Delgada airport (PDL) in the Azores' largest island, São Miguel. This airport serves as the primary gateway for international flight connections to the Azores, with frequent connections to other islands in the archipelago.

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The impact of delays

Delays can have a significant impact on passengers, from mere inconvenience to missing connections and disrupting carefully laid plans. Delays can also be costly, with passengers entitled to compensation of up to €600 per passenger for delays of more than three hours, depending on the distance of the flight.

Reddit reviews of Azores Airlines reveal a mixed picture when it comes to delays. Some passengers report no delays at all, while others report delays of several hours. One passenger even reported that "every time we fly there's a delay". Delays can also cause knock-on effects, such as missing connecting flights, which can be particularly problematic when island-hopping in the Azores.

Delays of more than an hour or two can be frustrating, but delays of three hours or more are classified as flight delays by EC 261/2004 regulation, entitling passengers to compensation. This regulation applies to flights departing from or arriving in the EU, or flights from the EU or to the EU with a European airline.

It is important to note that not all delays are the fault of the airline, and there are situations where passengers are not entitled to compensation. These include delays due to extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather, air traffic control strikes, or acts of terrorism.

To minimise the impact of delays, it is advisable to build in some buffer time when booking flights, especially if connecting flights are involved. It is also a good idea to be aware of your rights as a passenger and to know how to claim compensation if needed.

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The airline's baggage policy

The Airlines Baggage Policy

The baggage policy for Azores Airlines is a hot topic of discussion among passengers. While some travellers have reported no issues with their luggage, others have shared frustrating experiences of lost or delayed baggage. It is recommended that passengers pack only what they can carry on to avoid potential issues with checked luggage.

One passenger noted that the airline has an 8kg weight limit for carry-on baggage, so it's important to plan accordingly. Another passenger emphasised the importance of packing light, suggesting that "it's not cold or fancy" and recommending comfortable shoes over heels or dress shoes.

For those travelling with pets, Azores Airlines allows small pets up to 7kg to travel in the cabin with their owner, including the pet carrier. Larger pets will need to travel in the cargo hold in an approved pet crate. It is important to contact the airline in advance to confirm space for your pet on the plane and to have the necessary vaccine documentation from your veterinarian.

In terms of checked baggage, there have been reports of unexpected fees for luggage that previously travelled without issue. For example, one passenger shared that they had to pay over 100 Euros for the same luggage that was free on their outbound journey.

When it comes to upgrading baggage allowances, Azores Airlines offers the option to upgrade your ticket and bring a larger bag. Additionally, some passengers have reported that the airline staff were accommodating in checking carry-on bags for free when there were connection concerns, marking the bags as priority to ensure they made it to the flight.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is safe to fly with Azores Airlines. The airline has been in business since 1990, first under the name OceanAir, then SATA Air Açores. However, some passengers have reported issues with delays and lost luggage.

The approved size of a carry-on bag is roughly the length and width of a cafeteria tray. For checked luggage, passengers have reported being charged $100-$200 for each bag.

Flyers can use their own devices to access a small selection of films and TV shows. WiFi is available starting at €8 per flight for minimal broadband.

The food has been described as uninspiring, even by airline standards. There is only one option for the entire plane, and the drink selections are limited.

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