MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Posted (2 months 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 7523 times:
Flying the 274 narrowbody jet to Mallorca
Background:
April 2012, After a few events in my professional life I wasn’t having the best few weeks in my life. To get some distraction I was surfing the web and looking for some new idea’s to travel. When I was a teenager I had a list of 3 certain aircrafts I wanted to log. I had logged 2 of them already.
This trip would be dedicated to another type I always wanted to try out. I was originally planning on logging this type on a next US trip but I did not feel like waiting till that next opportunity. I soon looked at the options in Europe. Only 2 airlines that I could find are operating this certain type, Condor and Icelandair. Icelandair was pretty high on the budget so I scrapped them from the list pretty fast. Looking for a guaranteed flight on Condor was a trick as well. First I decided to go to Larnaca, but after a while I changed my mind and went for Palma de Mallorca. However returning back home would be a different story. Seems like each carrier was priced around 300 EUR one way. The only decent priced options where Vueling via Barcelona or Ryanair direct to Charleroi. Due to the conveniently timed Ryanair flight I went for the latter. I would be spending 2 full days while only paying for 1 night in the Balears. In case some still were wondering, the desired type of this trip is the Boeing 757-300.
Pre-departure: Day 1: 26 June 2012
After a day of packing I had a good night sleep. The alarm was set at 7:30 for a 9:00 departure, Today would be a long day for positioning purposes. Having an outbound in Frankfurt and an inbound in Charleroi can make things complicated. Since I will be landing in Charleroi close to midnight and there won’t be any forms of public transportation I decided to park my car there. After a refueling and a drive along the Belgian country roads, I made it in Charleroi by 10.30
Hopefully I will see you in a few days
Who’s the boss here?
Before continuing on to Frankfurt, I wanted to make a quick peek in the departures area of Charleroi. The airport was quite crowded with tourists starting their summer vacation.
The next segment is to be taken by bus. I booked a ticket on the 11:40 service to Brussels Midi station.
Soon we were on our way. Bye Bye Charleroi, see you in a few days.
Horrid legroom, one would almost assume that Ryanair owns these busses.
By 13.00 I arrived in Brussels-Midi. Where I had a 90 minute layover before catching my ICE train to Frankfurt. So far all is on time, a great performance for the Belgian railways.
First I wanted to check out the Thalys Cybelys lounge, but since I was travelling with ICE my access was denied. The remainder of the wait until my departure I hung around near the Air France check in desk. For the ones who are not familiar with BRU. Air France operates their BRU-CDG by TGV train instead of flying. Very convenient since the check in closes only 30 mins before the train departs.
It was soon 14:00 and the boarding began for ICE 17 to Frankfurt.
I gifted myself a small extra treat, the segment to FRA would be in F.
At 14:25 sharp our ICE setted sail towards Frankfurt. Shortly after our departure the bar (BOB) service began.
Some red wine to start off with.
Chicken Salad for main course
Receiving an extra gift without popping out the chocolate box! Courtesy of the Euro Championship 2012.
After passing Cologne a second service round started. Fancy some chocolate cake?
Looks like we are going to be delayed into FRA this afternoon
At 17:30 the ICE pulled into Frankfurt Flughafen where I met MD11Bob! Here is the last pic of the ICE train which took me across from Belgium.
After meeting we wanted to go to the visitor terrace. But as soon as we arrived we noticed that the terrace doesn’t admit anyone after 17:30. Too bad! Thankfully MD11Bob knew another place for spotting of airport. Too bad there was not many traffic but we had a great time anyway.
Shamrock from Dublin
Lufthy returning home
After an hour of spotting we returned back to the airport, I called the shuttle which after a pretty long wait brought me to the airport Domizil hotel. Where I arrived at 20:45. Nice room I must say. While waiting in the airport I went to the check in kiosk to get my boarding pass for the flight, too bad it was printed on one of those grocery receipts.
Not long after I showered and went to bed. The next day would be a long one.
Leaving Frankfurt Am Main airport Day 2: 27 June 2012
The next day the alarm was set for 3:30, I was awake a little beforehand. When browsing the OPS screen it would be clear that D-ABOL would be operating flight DE 3362
After some morning rituals I checked out and awaited for the shuttle take me back to the airport at 4:30. Once again we left sharp on time and not long after we were at the airport
No FRA-report without the famous FIDS!
Yes!! D-ABOL is still scheduled to take me to Palma de Mallorca
And Condor 3362 is still on time, quite amazing that there are 4 flights departing to PMI within the hour (1 had already left). Among those flights there were 2 753’s.
Soon I joined a rather long security line. After passing the security it was a short walk to gate B5. Boarding was already in full swing so I soon boarded the bus. Soon the bus departed, after a long ride I was starting to wonder if we were flying or driving to PMI. Thankfully the plane stopped at stand V152 at 5:35
14. Condor Flughdienst flight DE 3362 from Frankfurt am Main to Palma De Mallorcal
Wednesday, June 27 2012.
Frankfurt FRA (FRA/EDDF)- Palma De Mallorca (PMI/LEPA)
Condor Flughdienst 3662
Boeing 757-330 (LN: 923) Economy 49A
Delivered to Condor on 29 April 2000.
06.00-06.00 (Gate B05; Stand V152; wheels up on runway 18 at 06.11)
08:05-07:59 (Busgate unknown; wheels down on runway 24L at 07.53)
Announced flying time: 1 hour 45minutes
Cruising Altitude: FL370
Load factor: 90% in Y
Routing: EDDF18-AVEKI-Y153-HERK-Y164-OLDEN-UN869-MILPA-UN852-VERSO-UL129-LUNK-LEPA-24L ILS Personal statistics
169th flight registered
14th flight in 2012
1st flight on Condor
6th flight on the Boeing 757
1st flight on the Boeing 757-300
1st flight on D-ABOL
Before boarding could not resist to wonder the beauty of this bird.
Winglet
For Flieger67
Once onboard I made my way through the long fuselage towards seat 36F. Soon the chocolate box appeared and the F/A thanked me and asked if I needed anything. I asked if there were any 3-seaters open. She would let me know incase. In the meanwhile the bank of flights from all over the world were starting to come.
JA8105 (B787-800) as NH203 from Tokyo Haneda
D-AIMC (A380-800) as LH591 from Johannesburg
Soon the F/A came to inform me there where 3 seats free in the back and I soon moved to seat 49A. The doors were shut and the saftey video commenced. I found this one pretty entertaining and not the usual bland instructions.
Engines were started and we taxied to runway 18 at 6.00 sharp. It’s clear that Frankfurt is Lufthansa’s home. Lufthy planes could be find in small
and in big...
At 6:11 D-ABOL turned on runway 18 and we were airborne into the German dawn in no time.
Flight info screen was interesting as well, it was the same version of Brussels Airlines or Lufthansa’s A380.
Soon we reached our cruising altitude of 37 000 feet. It’s a great day for flying isn’t it?
A quick opportunity to make a cabin shot of this long bird.
Took the same chance to explore the cabin and I must say I was very impressed by the long size. I’m going to be honest I haven’t been on a 77W or 744 too often and the A346 is still missing in the log . The entertainment started as well, sitcoms where shown on the monitor.
I declined the entertainment system, especially when you have a view like this.
with the addition of the magnificent winglet.
And the fun continues:
Waving hello to all our Swiss friends
Soon into France
At 7:00 the trolley reached the end of the cabin and I received a ham and cheese sandwich. Taste was pretty much ok but it wasn’t my choice of ingredients at 7am. Soon the BOB trolley rolled from the back of the cabin. I was offered a free beer, I was very thankful but for the first time I had to decline the return gift. Beer at 7.00 just didn’t sound right. Instead I was offered some cookies which I gladly accepted.
Flying over Marseille
Legroom was pretty standard on D-ABOL.
At 7:25 our descent started already into the Palma area.
Aileron.
Soon we were over Mallorca Island
Some signs showed this plane is already 13 years old
Nearing the ground, looks like a beautiful day.
Flaps deployed.
At 7:53 we landed at the airport of Palma de Mallorca. Wait a minute, did we actually land in Palma or did we divert to some or other German airport underway??
Really starting to get worried...
At 7:59 we came to a full halt at our stand and disembarking started. As routine I was able to snap a quick pic up front.
After thanking the crew I was offboard at 8:10, some last views of D-ABOL before entering the terminal.
Preparations in the cockpit have already began for it’s next flight back to Germany.
At 8:15 we arrived at the terminal. However with the Condor/Airberlin/Hapag traffic around I was still not convinced that we actually landed in Spain.
Arrival in Palma De Mallorca airport
The first stop was the FIAS, ha... Translation in Spanish! So I actually did land in Palma de Mallorca indeed.
Caroussel 18 was assigned. I felt quite odd being the only person not having any checked bag or without a tour guide waiting for me. Arrivals hall in Palma.
By 8:45 I was outside of the airport and took the bus to the centre, after a short walk I arrived at Hostal Apuntadores. Basic comfort but just what I needed. Thankfully I was able to check in immediately. At 9:45 I was in my room.
The day was still young, however I felt like I have been travelling for ages. So I quickly crashed for a few hours. I was awake again at around 11:00. On the program today was Puerto de Soller. But not without decent TAPAS.
Some atmosphere pictures of Puerto Soller.
Soon it was time to take the infamous train towards Palma again:
Landscaping while travelling southbound.
Classy interior.
After arriving into Palma again I went for the vegetarian Paella across from the hotel
Soon tiredness was starting to come again and I slowly started to search my bed where I was fast asleep before 21:30
Day 3: June 28 2012
After a well nights sleep I woke up at around 8.00 After a shower and some breakfast I checked out and went to explore the city a little bit.
Some impressions of Palma de Mallorca, while it was a pretty nice city you could clearly feel the mass tourism around a lot of German, French and English could be heard along the streets.
La Puerto
I really like these Spanish streets .
After some sightseeing it was time to head back to the hostel and collect my bag at 16:35. Soon the walk started to the bus station. Spain had won the football game the evening prior and it showed.
Soon the bus arrived and I was off to the airport again. I arrived there at 17:20, Yes Air Berlin does have it’s home base here in Palma as well. Departing Palma De Mallorca airport
Since I needed to check luggage I first located the check in counter for Ryanair. FR 9338 to Charleroi would be running on time tonight.
Ryanair uses desk 12 to desk 17, when arriving at the desks the check in was split for Spanish domestic and European departures. However I would have to wait until 18:00 before being allowed to check in. Soon the line started to grow with passengers for our flight, Weeze and Karlsruhe and they decided to open the line early. After checking in I went towards security and started to explore the concourses. The only concourse I could not visit was concourse A since this was non schengen.Concourse B was used for most Spanish domestic flights like this Iberia CRJ-1000. One of the few EC- registred planes around.
The C concourse is mainly used for Air Berlin and it’s flights. An Airbus passing by.
And a Boeing as well...
The concourse reminded me of an average US Airport, large walkways and sitting area’s with a central food court.
An old passport booth.
The Irish have a great presence here as well.
I’m still wondering if Palma De Mallorca is in Spain or Germany?
Another EC- registred plane. Air Europa to Madrid.
D-ATUC, the Deutsche Bahn 737 from Hapag Loyd. After seeing her earlier this month in Stuttgart.
Did I see this correctly, Ryanair uses gates here in Palma?
WK or Edelweiss, dedicated to Sultanils
Operated by SWISS
At 19:15 the FIDS displayed our departure gate. Ryanair 9338 to Charleroi will be operating from gate D98 this evening.
Funny enough gate D98 is an actual gate. I do like the Gate displays here in Palma .
Even with more than an hour before our scheduled departure time people were already starting to form a line. I soon went to the priority lane.
At 20:15 a plane approached our gate. Ryanair 9339 from Charleroi which was running slightly behind schedule. Today EI-DLW had the honour of doing the evening flight to Palma de Mallorca.
While one agent was meeting the flight another walked around with a box to measure everyones hand luggage. An elderly woman behind me had a bag that was too big. She was spoken to in a bit shorter tone that sounded like “Lady, you’re going to have to check your luggage” Was it the lack of English of just the sturn way of speaking... The passengers deboarded FR 9339 and soon at 20:25 we were clear to board
15. Ryanair flight FR 9338 from Palma De Mallorca to Charleroi
Thursday, June 28 2012
Palma de Mallorca (PMI/LEPA) - Charleroi (CRL/EBCI)
Ryanair 9338
Boeing 737-8AS EI-DLW (LN: 2078) Economy Class 23A
Delivered to Ryanair on 17 October 2006 .
20.40-21.05 (Gate D98; wheels up on runway 24R at 21.19)
22.55-23.17 (Stand 001; wheels down on runway 25 at 23.09)
Announced flying time: 1hr 45 minutes
Cruising Altitude: FL 360
Load factor: 95% in Y
Routing: Palma De Mallorca-Barcelona-Toulouse-Limoges-Paris-Lille-Charleroi Personal Statistics
170th flight registered
15th flight in 2012
1st flight on Ryanair
19th flight on the Boeing 737 family
8th flight on the Boeing 737NG
2nd flight on the Boeing 737-800
1st flight on EI-DLW
landing into Charleroi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW1dK51EwJ0
When approaching the aircraft we still had to wait a minute before the cabin was cleared for the next run to Charleroi. Not long after we were welcomed aboard with a very friendly welcome. When moving backwards one flight attendant asked if I could move more back since they would be using the rear door for deboarding in Charleroi. She was pretty surprised to hear I was already intending to move backwards. When looking for the correct seat another male F/A came and asked if he could help me with anything. I said I’m looking for a seat right behind the wing, he responded with a laugh that he only knew of chicken wings. I surprised him as well with a chocolate box. I opted to sit in seat 23A which was just fine for our sunset ride to Belgium.
Boarding process was a bit on the slow side, the flight seemed to be quite full. Thankfully the seat next to me remained empty. At 21:05 the door was closed and we started our pushback. In the meanwhile the manual safety demonstration started. Passing by the majority of the Air Berlin planes.
Adria CRJ for SloAir
After a pretty lengthy taxi we reached the threshold of runway 24R. Finally at 21:19 EI-DLW was airborne into the Spanish Mediterranean sky. Bye Bye Palma
The night was starting to fall.
Soon we were back in the orange sky.
If you are flying Singapore Airlines or Ryanair... A winglet in the sunset is the best form of IFE.
Isn’t it just beautiful?
Enough playtime, a trip reporter has got to do what a trip reporter has to do. Legroom was pretty cramped as expected. However I was expecting worse. The only real downside was that there was no storage of any kind.
Just can’t get enough of it.
Another interesting detail is that Ryanair has punt it’s life jackets in the overhead compartments instead of under the seats. Are they the only carrier that does this?
Somewhere above French/Spanish border.
Safety cards glued on the seatback. Just in case some A.netter would book Ryanair.
For the ones who may not know it.. Ryanair is pure Low Cost
Soon the service started and I was pretty hungry. I opted for the cheeseburger with some bottled water for 6 Euros. Not so bad if you know that some Belgian full service carrier asks about the same for a muffin and a glass of OJ. Taste was ok, I do like the option of buying hot choices as well. Something Easyjet and Ryanair do get right.
Sunset still remains over Central France
Soon it was time for a loo visit, while in the smallest compartment in the cabin I found this.. Quite strange since FR does not fly in or even around the United States.
Cabin shot of this high density-bird
At 22:30 another run of the BOB commenced, This time it was a free run for me thanks to the gift trick.
We were still chasing the sun, it actually got a little bit more clear as we were travelling northbound.
Just love that winglet.
Our descent into the Charleroi area started at around 22:40
The last ray of a long day above Northern France.
The weather doesn’t look so nice above Belgium
We made a couple of few turns and curves with a few highways I could recognize, at a certain point I could even see the lights of runway 02 in Brussels. Soon the gear was lowered and we started our final descent into Charleroi.
At 23:09 our Boeing 737 smashed down on runway 25 and the arrival announcement commenced. Unfortunately they did not play the infamous “on-time” jingle. But hey we were delayed after all, weren’t we?
The Apron was full of Ryanair planes that are resting out before starting their new misson the next day. With the exception of a few Jetairfly birds that arrived from vacation destinations. Soon we turned into the very last stand where the engines were shut down at 23:17. About 20 minutes late, next door was sistership EI-ERQ.
When deboarding I was allowed to make one more shot of the cockpit, in the meanwhile I was joking with the purser about not hearing the on-time jingle.
At 23:25 I thanked the crew and I was on the tarmac of the cooler Charleroi airport. On the way what I tought was to be my last pic of EI-DLW Arrival in Brussels South/Charleroi Airport
After entering the airport I followed a pretty long corridor I found myself at the baggage hall. Ryanair seemed to be having a rough evening at CRL giving that all those flights were delayed. The Chania flight was only expected to be in at 2:50am. I would not like to be on that flight at all.
By luggage was out in no time and I was outside of the airport by 23:35, only 20 minutes after touchdown. Quite good performance compared to Brussels when you have checked luggage. I was soon back at my car. Before leaving I could catch a final glimpse of EI-DLW
I left the Charleroi airport area at 23:45 and after a long and exhausting drive I made it home at just passed 1AM. Tired but happy I was soon asleep again .
Overall verdict
Too start with I was very happy to finally log the Boeing 757-300 after dreaming about this for many years. Condor took good care of me. The seating was comfortable with an seat pitch that was industry standard. The meal was decent as well, However if I have another trip coming up I will order the premium meal. The crew was very nice and proactive as well, one of the better crews of the German carriers I’ve been flying the past few months.
Ryanair surprised me as well a little bit. After hearing and reading horror stories about them I wasn’t expecting too much of them. However I was very surprised about the good spirit of the crew that really made the day. The BOB choice wasn’t so bad neither if you compare them with the BOB of some Legacies. The only real bother was the lack of storage or whatsoever, I was pleased that the middle seat was empty. If this would not be the case or in case I would have booked Larnaca-Charleroi I think the verdict would be a bit different. However adding all the extra’s I spent 50 Euro’s more than my listed fare of 18 EUR, this was done on purpose to see how much an average pax really pays when flying Ryanair. Still Ryanair was the cheapest option, the next available was Vueling for a similar fare the next day. All other carriers where around 300 EUR’s. In case their is a significant fare difference between Ryanair and a competitor I will not hassle to choose them for a future trip.
Charleroi is an easy airport to fly in and out of as well, with the exception of the longer drive from my hometown (1,5hours while BRU is only 1 hour).
Overall Remarks.
Condor Flugdienst 3362 from Frankfurt FRA to Palma De Mallorca (Total score is 74%):
Departure: 70% (Busy but still efficient)
Aircraft cleanliness : 70% (well used but still clean and well maintained cabin)
Seat Comfort: 80% (Ok, decent legroom)
IFE: 70% (sitcoms showed on overhead)
Crew: 80% (Nice, proactive and friendly.)
Catering: 70% (Cheese or ham sandwich which tasted ok)
Arrival: 80% (Well signed and easy)
Ryanair 9338 from Palma De Mallorca to Charleroi (Total score is 72%):
Departure: 70% (Smooth, long queue for boarding however.)
Aircraft cleanliness : 70% (Aircraft was clean and kept clean)
Seat Comfort: 60% (Uncomfortable and total lack of storage)
Crew: 90% (very friendly, proactive, carring...)
Catering: 70% (BOB is ok priced, however still on the high side)
Arrival: 80% (Fast and smooth)
As a bonus I would like to give a list of regs I spotted in Frankfurt FRA, Palma De Mallorca and Charleroi
Frankfurt Am Main International Airport
JA8105
D-ABON
D-ABOL
D-AECD
D-AIMC
D-AIHI
D-AIHC
VT-ALJ
D-AECP
D-AECE
OE-LBV
D-AICF
D-ABVY
D-AIKH
D-AICM
D-ACPS
D-ACPF
D-ALPL
D-AIQE
Brussels South Charleroi International Airport
EI-EMK
EI-EPB
EI-LVF
OO-JAQ
OO-JAR
EI-DYF
EI-EFW
EI-DWQ
OO-JAA
EI-ERQ
EI-DLW
Total facts in this trip report
2 New Airlines (Condor Flugdienst, Ryanair)
2 New Airports (Palma de Mallorca, Charleroi)
1 New Type (Boeing 757-300)
2 New Registrations (D-ABOL, EI-DLW)
Thanks for reading and viewing this trip report, I hope you enjoyed reading it. As usual, comments and feedback are always welcome
Stay tuned for my next trip report:
Germanwings, a near miss and a smart upgrade!!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 2, posted (2 months 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 7440 times:
Congrats Marc on ticking off to B753! It's still on my to do list.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): I gifted myself a small extra treat, the segment to FRA would be in F.
Looks nice
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter):
Soon the F/A came to inform me there where 3 seats free in the back and I soon moved to seat 49A
That's worth a box of chocolates!
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): I was offered a free beer, I was very thankful but for the first time I had to decline the return gift. Beer at 7.00 just didn’t sound right.
Oh come on, you're on holiday!
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): She was spoken to in a bit shorter tone that sounded like “Lady, you’re going to have to check your luggage” Was it the lack of English of just the sturn way of speaking...
I find the FR ground crew are realy quite horrible, such a contrast to the generally very nice cabin crew
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Another interesting detail is that Ryanair has punt it’s life jackets in the overhead compartments instead of under the seats. Are they the only carrier that does this?
They are the only carrier that I know of that does this. I think it's a good idea....people won't steal them or knock them onto the floor at least.
dirktraveller From Singapore, joined Jan 2011, 204 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (2 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 7217 times:
HI Marc,
Great trip report on the 274-seater Boeing 757. A type that I have yet to fly on.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Took the same chance to explore the cabin and I must say I was very impressed by the long size. I’m going to be honest I haven’t been on a 77W or 744 too often and the A346 is still missing in the log
From the picture the 753 was indeed a really long aircraft, especially for a narrowbody.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): At 7:59 we came to a full halt at our stand and disembarking started. As routine I was able to snap a quick pic up front.
Really great that you could take a picture of the cockpit. At this era of tight aviation security it has been increasingly impossible to get that opportunity.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of Palma de Mallorca as well, really enjoyed it and seemed Palma de Mallorca is really an interesting place I would love to visit someday.
hmmm.... yea I guess so, I'm just not so a heavy drinker in the morning
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 2): I find the FR ground crew are realy quite horrible, such a contrast to the generally very nice cabin crew
It's a fact, was actually surprised by the Cabin crew
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 2): They are the only carrier that I know of that does this. I think it's a good idea....people won't steal them or knock them onto the floor at least.
Great trip report on the 274-seater Boeing 757. A type that I have yet to fly on.
Hi dirktraveller, Thanks
Quoting dirktraveller (Reply 3): From the picture the 753 was indeed a really long aircraft, especially for a narrowbody.
It was loooooooooong indeed
Quoting dirktraveller (Reply 3): Really great that you could take a picture of the cockpit. At this era of tight aviation security it has been increasingly impossible to get that opportunity.
Thanks for sharing the pictures of Palma de Mallorca as well, really enjoyed it and seemed Palma de Mallorca is really an interesting place I would love to visit someday.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 5, posted (2 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 6785 times:
Hi Marc,
Good to see your story on the very early Condor bird. I'm also on the lookout for a B753 in the log, but I guess I'll do that after the holiday season is over, for price and other reasons And was this your very first Ryanair flight?
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Having an outbound in Frankfurt and an inbound in Charleroi can make things complicated.
Indeed, but you took a good decision in doing it the way you did. Still some additionial 'logistic' costs associated with that of course
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): So far all is on time, a great performance for the Belgian railways.
For once...
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Looks like we are going to be delayed into FRA this afternoon
As is usually the case with these trains. They hardly ever ride at the speed that they are intended too, certainly not on the congested Belgian rail network. My ICE ride to DUS some months ago was also horribly late...
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): quite amazing that there are 4 flights departing to PMI within the hour
That's Germany for you!
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Thankfully the plane stopped at stand V152 at 5:35
The plane stopped and you all got on the bus to PMI, or...
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Took the same chance to explore the cabin and I must say I was very impressed by the long size. I’m going to be honest I haven’t been on a 77W or 744 too often and the A346 is still missing in the log
The good thing about the B753 is that you can all the way to the front from the back with an unobstructed view. It makes you really appreciate it's longness.
Good to see your story on the very early Condor bird. I'm also on the lookout for a B753 in the log, but I guess I'll do that after the holiday season is over, for price and other reasons And was this your very first Ryanair flight?
Hi Nils, thank you!! It was my first Ryanair indeed!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): Indeed, but you took a good decision in doing it the way you did. Still some additionial 'logistic' costs associated with that of course
time and costs however parking is cheaper than in BRU
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): As is usually the case with these trains. They hardly ever ride at the speed that they are intended too, certainly not on the congested Belgian rail network. My ICE ride to DUS some months ago was also horribly late...
Same story on my DUS departure last month.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): The plane stopped and you all got on the bus to PMI, or...
Something like that
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): The good thing about the B753 is that you can all the way to the front from the back with an unobstructed view. It makes you really appreciate it's longness.
Especially in the way how DE configures this bird
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): Ha, it hasn't changed much apparently after my visit there some years ago. Quite a touristy place though...
A bit too touristy IMO, not my favorite holiday place.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): You were not obliged to do OLCI like is the case on Ryanair?
Printed my boarding pass before departing home, but needed to drop my bag off.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 5): At many Spanish airports, they do yes!
Luxair747SP From Germany, joined exactly 3 years ago today! , 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 8, posted (2 months 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 6231 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Marc,
Great report about the 753, which isnt covered well at all in Tripreports.
The bird indeed looks very long and i try to fly on it asap as well.
Your gift trick seems to work every time!
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 9, posted (2 months 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 6029 times:
Hi Marc,
nice report here. Good idea to take a short break in the number-one holiday destination for Germans (I guess you have noticed it ). And congrats of course to log the 753, indeed a beautiful plane, and one that is certainly not that easy to catch. Nice pictures as well from Palma.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Looks like we are going to be delayed into FRA this afternoon
Well, it is Deutsche Bahn, so that has to be expected. But then 10 minutes is not too bad.
Good catch, hope we will see pictures like this again soon.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): I declined the entertainment system, especially when you have a view like this.
Certainly, who needs IFE with views like this.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Beer at 7.00 just didn’t sound right. Instead I was offered some cookies which I gladly accepted.
Hey, come on, it is never too early for a beer Indeed strange to offer a beer at this time of the day, but then again, it was a flight to PMI, so the average tourist on board would probably have taken the beer without hesitation (before ordering a second one ).
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): However I would have to wait until 18:00 before being allowed to check in.
What, check-in for a FR flight, you were traveling with hand luggage only, so no need to go to a counter? Hope you did online check-in to avoid the ridiculous airport check-in fee.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): At 22:30 another run of the BOB commenced, This time it was a free run for me thanks to the gift trick.
Cool, I would never think that this trick actually works on FR, but very nice from the crew. It seems to be a hit-or-miss with FR crews, I have had very nice and cheerful crews on my flights, but also really unfriendly ones.
nice report here. Good idea to take a short break in the number-one holiday destination for Germans (I guess you have noticed it ). And congrats of course to log the 753, indeed a beautiful plane, and one that is certainly not that easy to catch. Nice pictures as well from Palma.
Hi Captain
Thanks, glad you liked it. The german influence is indeed pretty big.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): Well, it is Deutsche Bahn, so that has to be expected. But then 10 minutes is not too bad.
Haha, and then they said that under the rail enthiousasts DB is considered to be like the SQ of the European network. Grass isn't always greener
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): Good catch, hope we will see pictures like this again soon.
Hope to log it in September as well.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): Certainly, who needs IFE with views like this.
You understand me
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): Hey, come on, it is never too early for a beer Indeed strange to offer a beer at this time of the day, but then again, it was a flight to PMI, so the average tourist on board would probably have taken the beer without hesitation (before ordering a second one ).
Haha, am I actually the only one who thinks it's too early
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): What, check-in for a FR flight, you were traveling with hand luggage only, so no need to go to a counter? Hope you did online check-in to avoid the ridiculous airport check-in fee.
Bag drop off was more the proper word, since I had my camera in a seperate bag I had to drop of by bag. OLCI was done before I left
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 9): Cool, I would never think that this trick actually works on FR, but very nice from the crew. It seems to be a hit-or-miss with FR crews, I have had very nice and cheerful crews on my flights, but also really unfriendly ones.
Nice TR! Just for information, max. seating for CONDOR are 265 seats all Economy- some a/c have special LR (Long-Range) configuration with 256 seats for long haul flights to India etc. (but AFAIK only during the winter timetable).
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 13, posted (2 months 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 5219 times:
Quoting debonair (Reply 12): Nice TR! Just for information, max. seating for CONDOR are 265 seats all Economy- some a/c have special LR (Long-Range) configuration with 256 seats for long haul flights to India etc. (but AFAIK only during the winter timetable).
Please fly to GRO....I want chocolate in all seriousness though, this little trick really boosts a cabin crew´s morale. Sometimes even restores our faith in humanity!
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Taste was ok, I do like the option of buying hot choices as well.
Glad ye enjoyed yer burger. We have a whole new range now, The GetAway Cafe.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Soon it was time for a loo visit, while in the smallest compartment in the cabin I found this.. Quite strange since FR does not fly in or even around the United States.
I´ve always thought this odd too, clearly outside Federal jurisdiction....must be a Boeing thing!
Please tell me! What’s your chocolate signature brand?
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): I was offered a free beer, I was very thankful but for the first time I had to decline the return gift. Beer at 7.00 just didn’t sound right.
You could have made an exception for the free beer, couldn’t you?
Congratulations on the 753, & thanks for the nice pics of PMI I´d love to go on a 757
And your first time on FR. Glad it went nicely..
Hi aerdingus, Thanks
Quoting aerdingus (Reply 14): Please fly to GRO....I want chocolate in all seriousness though, this little trick really boosts a cabin crew´s morale. Sometimes even restores our faith in humanity!
Who knows, do you work in the industry btw..
Quoting aerdingus (Reply 14): Glad ye enjoyed yer burger. We have a whole new range now, The GetAway Cafe.
Wasn't bad at all
Quoting aerdingus (Reply 14): I´ve always thought this odd too, clearly outside Federal jurisdiction....must be a Boeing thing!
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 16): Seat Expert probably showed the Thomas Cook seatmap. That carrier used to have 274 seats on the 753, now they even have 280.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1241 posts, RR: 34 Reply 19, posted (2 months 15 hours ago) and read 3991 times:
Hi Marc,
Good to read about your Palma trip, especially as I will be flying there myself in a week, although just a boring A319 for me! Well done on fitting in Soller too, something I’ve not managed to do yet.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): At 7:00 the trolley reached the end of the cabin and I received a ham and cheese sandwich. Taste was pretty much ok but it wasn’t my choice of ingredients at 7am.
I don’t blame you. A cheese and ham sandwich seems very strange for that time of day.
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): D-ATUC, the Deutsche Bahn 737 from Hapag Loyd. After seeing her earlier this month in Stuttgart.
Cool livery
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Funny enough gate D98 is an actual gate. I do like the Gate displays here in Palma
Tomskii From Belgium, joined May 2011, 453 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 month 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 3324 times:
Quite surprised to see Puerto Soller so crowded. I've been on holidays myself at Palma a couple of years ago. Staying in the small town of deia (east coast) in a house we rented. Waaaay nicer than the west coast which is crowded by tourists.
One thing I remember of Puerto Soller was (when I was there) very cold and stinky water, and your average tourist place with shady bars which I totally despise (just like the south of the island with all those british type hotels (no offence british fellows)).
Good to read about your Palma trip, especially as I will be flying there myself in a week, although just a boring A319 for me! Well done on fitting in Soller too, something I’ve not managed to do yet.
Great for your to log two new carriers and a new type.
Hi Lars, thanks!!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 20): 265 or 274 seats in a 753 seems like a lot; some US carriers hold about 215......
Looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
The Condor version is in full Y-config. However seating is your average 777 or 330
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 21): Nice report Marc, thanks for posting.
Some great views on the FRA-PMI segment and some nice shots of the island as well!
Hi Robert
Thanks
Quoting Tomskii (Reply 22): Quite surprised to see Puerto Soller so crowded. I've been on holidays myself at Palma a couple of years ago. Staying in the small town of deia (east coast) in a house we rented. Waaaay nicer than the west coast which is crowded by tourists.
One thing I remember of Puerto Soller was (when I was there) very cold and stinky water, and your average tourist place with shady bars which I totally despise (just like the south of the island with all those british type hotels (no offence british fellows)).
Hi Tomsikii, thanks for the insight. We did have the same impression about the town.
Quoting Tomskii (Reply 22): Anyways, nice TR! On to the next one
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (1 month 3 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 2905 times:
Hi Marc, good to hear you got a rare 753. And interesting to see that Palma isn't just a town of British teenagers throwing up in the gutters!
Must admit, despite being dead against Ryanair after seeing this report and reading an old one of Gabriel's the other night I'm starting to think maybe they're not so bad after all...
Looking forward to hearing about your Germanwings trip!
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 25, posted (1 month 3 weeks 6 days 15 hours ago) and read 2870 times:
Hi Marc!
Nice report as usual!
Condor seems pretty nice, I've been considering to fly one of their long 753's to PMI as well, maybe logging a Monarch A300 at the same time, but no booking made yet.
Ryanair is not my favorite airline, but it sure can be cheap to fly with them! As long as one knows what one's getting in to.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 473 posts, RR: 4 Reply 26, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 2674 times:
A really cool TR with some nice ideas for a short trip to Spain
too bad for the Terrace but glad to read you had a back up plan with the other A.netter
Good for you to log the 753. is it called the "flying pencil"?
i don't understand the service on Condor? is it free?
what about RYR what is your gift trick? LOL
Your pictures are really beautiful and increase the desire to go to Spain
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Air France operates their BRU-CDG by TGV train instead of flying
Are the miles or segment count to reach Elite status?
Thanks for sharing
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 27, posted (1 month 3 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 2515 times:
Goodmorning Folks!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 24): Hi Marc, good to hear you got a rare 753. And interesting to see that Palma isn't just a town of British teenagers throwing up in the gutters!
Hi James, thanks!
The PMI had the German teenagers as well
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 24): Must admit, despite being dead against Ryanair after seeing this report and reading an old one of Gabriel's the other night I'm starting to think maybe they're not so bad after all...
Well, if the next availible option is 250 EUR+ It isn't that bad.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 24): Looking forward to hearing about your Germanwings trip!
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 25): Condor seems pretty nice, I've been considering to fly one of their long 753's to PMI as well, maybe logging a Monarch A300 at the same time, but no booking made yet.
Sounds like a great combo!
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 25): Ryanair is not my favorite airline, but it sure can be cheap to fly with them! As long as one knows what one's getting in to.
You got it correctly.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): A really cool TR with some nice ideas for a short trip to Spain
too bad for the Terrace but glad to read you had a back up plan with the other A.netter
Good for you to log the 753. is it called the "flying pencil"?
Hi Léo, Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): i don't understand the service on Condor? is it free?
first round free, second round BOB
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): what about RYR what is your gift trick? LOL
just a simple box of chocolate.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26): Your pictures are really beautiful and increase the desire to go to Spain
Thanks
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 26):
Are the miles or segment count to reach Elite status?
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 776 posts, RR: 2 Reply 28, posted (1 month 3 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 2142 times:
Hoi Marc,
Nice report and congrats on logging the 757-300. Logged it myself a couple times in the US of A, it sure is one looong aircraft
Looks like you had a nice 2 days in Mallorca, great pictures.
Condor seem to be pretty nice and although your flight with Ryanair doesn't look to bad, no thank you
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Horrid legroom, one would almost assume that Ryanair owns these busses.
Or Vueling
Quoting MSS658 (Thread starter): Air France operates their BRU-CDG by TGV train instead of flying. Very convenient since the check in closes only 30 mins before the train departs.
I actually didn't know that, interesting.. Can you earn FB miles on it? :P
Nice report and congrats on logging the 757-300. Logged it myself a couple times in the US of A, it sure is one looong aircraft
Looks like you had a nice 2 days in Mallorca, great pictures.
Thanks!
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 28): Condor seem to be pretty nice and although your flight with Ryanair doesn't look to bad, no thank you
reifel From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 1135 posts, RR: 1 Reply 30, posted (1 month 3 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 1564 times:
Hi Marc,
thanks for sharing.
Be happy that you where able to use self checkin kiosks. Not so long ago you had to check in at the counter, unless you checked in online, which involved a fee. Since between 5 and 6 am there can be a dozen of Condor flights and these are mostly touristsnwhich do not travel often, I don't need to explain the pain it can be and what lines can form
Found it interestering that the Captain had a LH ID. I didn't knew DE pilots where still part of LH.
There is an impressive amount of flights. You should see that in the summer. Often flights are "doubled", as the airline sends 2 or 3 flights at the same time due to high demand. And then the hub operation of AB in PMI is absolutely impressive. That said, they scaled down this operation a little bit, not serving this huge amount of Spanish cities anymore. I.e. BCN used to be served from PMI, now they route via VIE/DUS/TXL instead.
PMI is quite a big airport, actually it's really huge (and rather bland). During low season however half of it is just closed down...
Yes, Ryanair uses jet bridges, and they do this in quite a lot of airports in Spain (actually all? Saw that also in BCN, MAD, Canary islands). Seems to be regular there.
Mallorca is an impressive Island. If you have the chance to come back, especially in the low season, also take a (dirt cheap) rental car and drive through the Transmuntara mountains and i.e. to Formentor. The landscape is absolutely stunning.
Be happy that you where able to use self checkin kiosks. Not so long ago you had to check in at the counter, unless you checked in online, which involved a fee. Since between 5 and 6 am there can be a dozen of Condor flights and these are mostly touristsnwhich do not travel often, I don't need to explain the pain it can be and what lines can form
Thanks, Ouch that would have been a pain to manual check in at 4:30 AM
Quoting reifel (Reply 30): Found it interestering that the Captain had a LH ID. I didn't knew DE pilots where still part of LH.
Quoting TJCAB (Reply 31): thanks for a nice trip report. The island looks nice. Is that a Lufthans ID is see hanging on the captain?
First time I actually noticed it myself, was only 1 min in the Front Office
Quoting reifel (Reply 30): There is an impressive amount of flights. You should see that in the summer. Often flights are "doubled", as the airline sends 2 or 3 flights at the same time due to high demand. And then the hub operation of AB in PMI is absolutely impressive. That said, they scaled down this operation a little bit, not serving this huge amount of Spanish cities anymore. I.e. BCN used to be served from PMI, now they route via VIE/DUS/TXL instead.
I was more than often confused that I actually was in Spain.
Quoting reifel (Reply 30): PMI is quite a big airport, actually it's really huge (and rather bland). During low season however half of it is just closed down...
reminds me of an average US airport ala CLT or CVG
Quoting reifel (Reply 30): Yes, Ryanair uses jet bridges, and they do this in quite a lot of airports in Spain (actually all? Saw that also in BCN, MAD, Canary islands). Seems to be regular there.
I remember seeing them parked in BCN in another TR once.
Quoting reifel (Reply 30): Mallorca is an impressive Island. If you have the chance to come back, especially in the low season, also take a (dirt cheap) rental car and drive through the Transmuntara mountains and i.e. to Formentor. The landscape is absolutely stunning.
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