Prologue:
The anticipation of flying a new airline (in this case CSA) is always a welcome experience worth getting excited about for every aviation geek.This trip was very similar to J intra-European experience minus the cost. This particular segment cost me USD 44.40 (EUR 42.15) and I also pre-ordered a business class meal for USD 8.92 (EUR 8.47). I used my AZ's Freccia Alata Plus level to get priority check-in, boarding and lounge access at PRG. The only disappointment was the inability to pre-reserve a seat, even for elite Skyteam members. I played the seat lottery and waited until 24 hrs before dept. to select a window seat in the last row hoping that the flight would not be full.
I arrived at the OK counter and used the designated Skypriority line. Check-in by the smiling agent was smooth and courteous. I went through security in a breeze and headed to the Erste Lounge. PRG airport has an utilitarian feel lacking charm and sometimes it reminded me of a warehouse setting.
I thought that it was odd that OK did not have its own lounge at its hub and instead it refers its passengers to one that is managed by a third party entity. I presented my boarding pass along with AZ Skyteam Elite card and was welcomed inside. The club has two sections but the right side was less crowded. In addition there were WC's right after the reception area.
Entrance.
Once I stepped inside I felt that the silver hanging lights and see-through "bead curtains" gave this place a 70's disco era ambiance. It was a one of a kind type of lounge for sure.
The buffet area had pastries cookies crisps and pretzel sticks. The hot items consisted of chicken and pork schnitzels pasta primavera and beef broth. Refrigerators were stocked with crudites and a variety of open faced sandwiches.
Kid's corner.
I left the lounge as soon as the gate was assigned for my flight.
Mi plane at the jetbridge.
We boarded the plane and a FA was positioned at the entrance greeting pax.
My seat.
After everyone boarded my gamble paid off and I won the seat lottery with the whole row to myself. Another passenger eventually moved to the row across and took the other set of seats for himself. i raised the armrests and got pretty comfortable.
Seat pocket contents.
Plane spotting.
Take off.
Tray table.
Once we reached cruising altitude the service began quickly. One of the FA's in the back galley handed me my pre-ordered meal. I was only able to order the cold meal option because my flight was under 3 hrs. It consisted of cold cuts sliced cheese garnishes two pieces of bread and a tiramisu cake. I saw a few people buy the baguette sandwich which seemed like a good value since it was a good size.
Descent.
Can you spot the Eiffel Tower?
Old Town
Prague Castle.
========== Ruzyne Arpt (PRG) - ==========
========== ERSTE Premier Lounge T2 ==========
========== Czech Airlines j.s.c - Airline ==========
========== Paris Charles De Gaulle (CDG) - ==========
Summary:
PRG is not that big and it felt very functional. The Erste lounge did its job and it was a nice place to relax before the flight. The decor had a retro feel to it that I found unique. Catering is basic but the attempt to offer a few hot dishes is appreciated.I was glad that I had a chance to fly a new airline and CSA proved to be a decent carrier. The ability to pre-order a premium meal was a big plus and the price was quite reasonable. For a cold meal the quality was fine. I did not find the crew overly friendly or very proactive but they did their job efficiently. It was a luxury to get a whole row for myself and by taking advantage of the Skyteam Plus benefits I had a very close intra-European J experience on this particular segment. A minor annoyance is the lack of free seat assignment for other Skyteam elite members.
15 Comments
ReplyAnother great Review Adan. Thanks. Looks like you were matched to AZ just like me;) Nice lounge btw.
"Looks like you were matched to AZ just like me;)"
- Great minds think alike after all. ;)
"Nice lounge btw"
- A lot of travelers like this lounge. I can say for sure that it is one of the few that has a lot of character. :P
ReplyNice YTR as always. Great option to buy a real meal.
When you come from the US and you pay around USD 10 for a BOB sandwich then you don't think twice about buying a meal like this. I think that European airlines give better value for BOB and lounge access than American ones.
ReplyHi Adan and thanks for sharing a new airline on the site. As you said, the option to order a meal is a big plus. See you for another review.
Glad to add a new one for the site. Choosing a J meal and if you are lucky getting an empty flight brings your onboard experience up to J level (for the most part).
ReplyLoving your "exotic" airlines Panda. Thanks Adan for your TR.
I'm only starting. ;)
ReplyOuaf ! Panda !
Interesting journey with CSA.
The lounge seems to be correct and th seat on board seems relatively comfortable on the picture.
Nice pictures from Prague.
Thanks for sharing, Adan !
I almost flew on CSA one time from PRG-YUL on an A310 but changed it to AF. Now I regret having done that.
The lounge is decent and I was lucky to have an empty row for myself.
PRG is a very charming place and the food is filling.
ReplyThanks for the new report! and especially the bonus!
It's my pleasure as always.
ReplyHello Adan!
Thank you for sharing with us this nice report!
OK is a good airline but not so far in the past there was no bob and everybody hard à snack with a drink (even wine and beers)
PRG is very nice, I like this airport and the lounge do the job, so what else?
OK is a decent airline and it was nice that they served free snacks before. I don't mind their BOB because the prices are very good and not too expensive. I agree about PRG being a very nice city with an easy to navigate airport.
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