Great Service! (bmibaby)

Member Name: emmakate06

Product:	bmibaby
Date:	05/07/09 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick, cheap and easy!

Disadvantages: Charge extra for desk check in.

I have just returned from Ireland having flown both to and from Ireland West Knock Airport with BMI Baby. I had won a competition which was recently promoted in Manchester Airport and the prize included flights, accomodation, transfers and food. Obviously, I was very pleased at winning this prize, howeve I became very apprehensive when I found out that I would be flying with BMI baby having previously read some bad reviews on here regarding their service.

Their representative had booked our flights on our behalf and they came to £285 return including taxes, two pieces of hold luggage and check in at the desks as opposed to online. Our seats had not been booked for us in advance, but I believe that you can do this for a fee, though I am unsure as to what this charge is. The booking confirmation was posted to us and attached was two pages of terms and conditions. Now, I know that a lot of people probably don't read the terms and conditions and I think that this is where the problem lies as all the information that comes with your booking clearly explains your baggage allowance, the size of hand luggage which you are allowed, the additional surchages should you wish to check in at a desk having previously selected to check in online and numerous other information. I was therefore surprised when whilst queuing for my flight in Manchester, to find so many people complaining. We were about sixth in the queue and nearly everyone in front of us was charged excess baggage or charged because their hand luggage was too big, and whilst I agree that the airline takes advantage of this and makes lots of extra money from it, it is still the case though that all these passengers could have avoided the extra fees had they read there information more carefully.

Anyway, back to the service. After the numerous people complaining before us, I found check in to be very easy, quick and efficient and the lady at the check in desk was very polite and friendly. We checked in and were advised where to go through to departures. The process only took a few minutes and we were soon in the departure lounge having cleared security.

We watched our flight arrive whilst we were stood at the gate waiting to board, I therefore assumed that there would be a delay with the plane only just arriving. However the staff were very quick, and obviously cleaned the plane whilst disembarking as no sooner had passengers got off the plane, we were told we could board.

The plane itself was very clean, basic but comfortable, with adequate seat space for an hour long flight. There was an inflight magazine which was a good read and a price list provided for refreshments. You do not get any onboard beverages or meals included in your flight, so you need to take some spare change if you think you may require something during your flight.

The flight crew were very polite and attentive to their passengers. Very friendly and greeted everyone as they boarded the plane. They were quick with their service and I found them to be very commendable. On arrival in West Ireland Knock airport, we disembarked just as quickly as we had boarded which I found to be great, having previously spent half an hour waiting to get off some flights in the past.

Overall I found it to be a great service and I would gladly use them again in the future. Careful reading and paying attention to the small print, will prevent any problems for you at check in.

Summary: Read the small print and youll have no bad surprises!