Room for improvement (Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY))

Member Name: Martin

Product:	Cyprus Turkish Airlines (KTHY)
Date:	09/10/07 (652 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Flies into North Cyprus

Disadvantages: Cramped seating

My wife and I have flown with KTHY on several occasions over the past 2 years both from Gatwick & Heathrow. The online booking works well. Flights have usually been on time. We have had differing check in experiences (handled by Aviance at Gatwick), one being whether your hand baggage gets weighed (5kgs each). This can push you into excess baggage at £6 a kilo. In July 07 at Gatwick we were charged £120 excess (which we had expected) for a cardboard box, containing approx £340 of stuff my wife had been collecting for months for our apartment. Unfortunately this box was never seen again & trying to find it and then get compensation when we didn't has proved frustrating & difficult. We have finally been offered £99 which does not even cover the excess charge. It appears I shall be taking the airline to court. Basically an effecient airline but customer relations needs improvement. The aircraft are fine but cramped. It depends on which aircraft you get as to how little leg room there is. The flights are not normally full so the seating arrangement could be improved, as could the seats themselves. If the person in front reclines their seat it gets very uncomfortable and eating nigh impossible. In flight meals are not good. Flying into Ercan does have the advantage of not having to cross over the border but does add an hour to the flight due to the stop in Turkey. Ercan airport is good but beware the cafe prices when departing, almost £3 for a coffee.

Summary: Basic but effecient