Author Topic: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions  (Read 11674 times)

Offline jr611

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If this isn't the right place, then let me know where is better. I would like to put to rest the constant questions about this airline so instead of a trip report ill answer any questions anyone has. One disclaimer, I had a vegetarian meal so can't speak to the kosher food.

Offline Aj3042

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If this isn't the right place, then let me know where is better. I would like to put to rest the constant questions about this airline so instead of a trip report ill answer any questions anyone has. One disclaimer, I had a vegetarian meal so can't speak to the kosher food.
Did you stop in Baku or fly direct?

Offline jr611

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Did you stop in Baku or fly direct?
stop in Baku for 2 hours

Offline Aj3042

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stop in Baku for 2 hours
So how was the experience? We need more info here about them.

Offline jr611

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So how was the experience? We need more info here about them.
This is why I want to do this. I'm sick of the comments everywhere like "I would never fly them even if they paid me" etc.
Anyway, this is the first time i've flown business in my life so keep that in mind. Flight times are great as you leave Israel at night and arrive in NYC in the morning. Business seat on the a320 was similar to domestic first/business in 2-2 layout. Each business passenger gets an iPad on this flight consisting of around 10 movies, music and games.. Food service basically took the majority of the flight. Food wasn't bad but was nothing special. Again I can't comment on the kosher options. Airport in Baku is super easy to transfer in especially because it lands in the middle of the night when the airport is basically empty. One escalator and you are at the gate for the JFK flight. Nice looking airport with plenty of places to sit and relax. Business passengers also get lounge access in both airports no that it really matters for a 2 hour layover. Lounge in Baku looked nice but was nothing special (keep in mind it was 4-5 AM). Both flights were also without delays and landed in JFK an hour early. Landing time in JFK is also great as it is an empty time in customs with no other flights landing at that time. The a340 is also very nice however the business seats looked like they are aging a bit. At first, the reclining controls on my seat did not work and I was moved to a new seat where the IFE didn't work (not that it mattered to me because the movie options were pretty lame (the same 10-20 movies that were on the iPad. I would've preferred the iPad on this flight) The seat becomes lie flat however it can be tough to get over your seat mate if you have a window seat and they are reclined. Food once again was nothing special but good. Flight attendants seemed like they were trying but weren't overly jovial. There is also a bar on board but wasn't used (could've been the hour of the flight or the light load of the cabin) Amenity kit is lame and there is no turndown service for the business seats, just the same pillows and blankets you get in economy it seems. However, I got a good 4-5 hours of sleep. Forgot to mention they also give decent headphones on both flights for business passengers. I would say around 30-40% of the passengers were on this flight from TLV, some with black hats/kippahs etc. The economy passengers seemed to not have any issues but can't really comment on that. If I forgot anything feel free to ask.

Offline Aj3042

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Thanks! Was wondering about how many Jews are on these flights so it's good you mentioned. And yes I know some people who have told me they wouldn't fly this airline so it's good to have info.

Offline jr611

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Thanks! Was wondering about how many Jews are on these flights so it's good you mentioned. And yes I know some people who have told me they wouldn't fly this airline so it's good to have info.
Basically, I probably wouldn't fly them in economy as the trip is longer than other connections unless it was significantly cheaper than other options. I would probably choose something like Turkish in a similar price point for the better IFE and food options. But for a cheap business fare I would totally do it again.

Offline Aj3042

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Basically, I probably wouldn't fly them in economy as the trip is longer than other connections unless it was significantly cheaper than other options. I would probably choose something like Turkish in a similar price point for the better IFE and food options. But for a cheap business fare I would totally do it again.
Right you're going out of the way and probably adding about 2 hours flying time but as you say it can be worth it.

Offline jr611

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Right you're going out of the way and probably adding about 2 hours flying time but as you say it can be worth it.
Well it depends. Some European connections have longer layovers so it could be equal in the end.

Offline Aj3042

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Well it depends. Some European connections have longer layovers so it could be equal in the end.
True. And their economy fares are also very good sometimes, better than Turkish.

Offline jr611

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2015, 02:45:01 PM »
Also if anyone is interested I can post pics. Just let me know

Offline TimT

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2015, 02:47:15 PM »
Also if anyone is interested I can post pics. Just let me know
of course

Offline Aaaron

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2015, 02:50:11 PM »
Was it safe?  As safe as Turkish?  Less safe?

Offline jr611

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2015, 02:51:35 PM »
Was it safe?  As safe as Turkish?  Less safe?
To be honest, I do not know what this means. I've flown both and it wasn't more or less "safe".

Offline DMYD

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2015, 02:53:26 PM »
Isn't there a thread on Azerbaijan already? Paging @TimT

Offline Aj3042

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2015, 02:55:36 PM »
Isn't there a thread on Azerbaijan already? Paging @TimT
Search it looks like not.

Offline jr611

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Offline TimT

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2015, 02:59:49 PM »
Isn't there a thread on Azerbaijan already? Paging @TimT
quite a few

Offline DMYD

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2015, 03:02:19 PM »
Search it looks like not.
I know there is. that's why I asked the mavin TimT to find it please.

Offline TimT

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Re: Just flew Azerbaijan in Business TLV-JFK...happy to answer any questions
« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2015, 03:02:46 PM »
I know there is. that's why I asked the mavin TimT to find it please.
http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=49559.0