Since Jet2 started operating from Bristol airport, we have flown with them several times. This flight to Dalaman in Turkey was our fourth trip with Jet2 within a year. Obviously, we have been happy with their service. However this summer, things have changed. What about the “dreaded” travel chaos we have seen on the news?
Compared to the likes of BA, TUI and Easyjet, Jet2 seemed to have managed their flights pretty well. Although, the airports themselves haven’t coped with the situation so well. Long queues at security, lack of baggage handlers and general overcrowding and Bristol airport has been no exception.
So, with some trepidation, we headed off to Bristol airport.
Arrival & Check-In
On arrival, Bristol Airport was busy, very busy. Thankfully, the Jet2 queues were short and we were checked in within 5 minutes of arrival. The Easyjet and TUI queues didn’t appear that long either.
So what about security? We are now out of the control of Jet2 staff and directly in the hands of Bristol airport. The security area was busy but there were plenty of lines open and for the first time in many years, we did not have to queue at all.
The departure lounge resembled the “before times“. Long lines at the bars and the fast-food outlets.
Boarding
While in the terminal we received a phone call from Jet2 asking us to identify our bag at the aircraft. The self-check-in tag had been ripped off. Another reason to have your own baggage label containing your mobile phone number.
Boarding was 30 minutes late due to the delayed incoming flight from the Canary Islands. One thing we’ve noticed with Jet2 flights, there is plenty of room in the overhead lockers. As everyone gets 22Kg of baggage allowance, there isn’t the need to force everything into the carry-on bags.
By the time boarding was complete, the delay had become 55 minutes.
The Flight
Don’t expect much luxury onboard but at least it’s not Ryanair. The seats are basic but are surprisingly comfortable, we usually pay for the emergency exit extra legroom seats (rows 16 and 17). Also, like most budget airlines, don’t expect any onboard entertainment system or power sockets.
Jet2 Food
You can choose snacks and toasties from the inflight menu but you do have an option of preordering hot food when you book your seats. We went for the vegetable tagine and beef Thai curry. The meals come with a drink, a chocolate brownie, crackers and cheese.
Airline food seldom looks great and this is no exception. Although, the actual taste was far better than it looked. Also, customers who pre-order food get served first.
The flight was uneventful, which of course, is exactly what you want. There were only a few empty seats, luckily one was next to us. The Jet2 staff were friendly and efficient throughout and there was plenty of opportunity to buy extra snacks and drinks.
The actual flight time was 3 hours 40 minutes, less than expected which managed to reduce the overall delay to 40 minutes.
Arrival At Dalaman Turkey
Yes, there was clapping on landing, we love this on holiday flights. Dalaman airport is modern with plenty of airbridges available to exit the plane and no overcrowded airport bus transfers. Passport control was quick and the bags were available within minutes. It was one of the easiest arrival experiences we’ve had in a long time.
Return Flight Update
However, the return flight was not so good. There was just over a 5-hour delay at Dalaman due to air traffic control staff shortages in Germany and London. The plane was sitting on the tarmac but wasn’t allowed to depart.
On arrival at Bristol, it took over two hours to get through passport control and collect the bags. All of the automated passport control gates were out of action. Not a good experience.
