Couldn’t check in online but desks were open for all flights, and quiet, when I was dropped off 3 hours ahead of the flight – so quick check-in, aisle seat acquired, and a beer with my colleague before going thru security and passport/exit stamp (which was also quick).
This new terminal is clean, uncrowded and reasonably comfortable.
Had I had my laptop or kindle with me they would have had to go in the hold as the check-in crew stated they were not allowed in cabin baggage. Need to check whether this an airline issue, or Baku airport, before I return by Lufthansa at the end of the month., though last time I used that route the security people just made me switch-on laptop and kindle (I guess to make sure they had all their working bits without something not-so-nice substituted!).
Aircraft for this leg was a relatively-aged Boeing 757-200 (as witnessed by the deckhead-fixed, non-retractable TV monitors – see photo – which showed a few (silent) videos, before switching to the route map). Seats, I’m sure, were original fit (not exactly ‘slim line’ seat-backs) – seemed just that bit on the narrow side, and had what has become standard (i.e – not a lot of) legroom for short haul.
Pushed back on schedule and, shortly after the seat belt sign went off, I got the seat-back in front of me ‘in my face’ but, to her credit, she realised what had happened, apologised, and put it upright again.
Main meal offering was a pasta with minced beef, chopped carrot, peas and sweetcorn (which I had and it was ok) – or what appeared to be a vegetarian offering of larger pieces of cooked veg. The tray came with a small slice of brown bread and a bread roll – no butter – and a carton of ‘sour cherry nectar’. Tea, coffee or still water was also complimentary. A second trolley came with beer, canned soft drinks, snacks (kit kat, pringles, buns etc) that could be purchased. Altogether a poorer offering than Turkish airlines on the same route (albeit from past experience – that might have changed).
Touched down at 2104 and on the airbridge at 2016 for a scheduled 2030 arrival.
