Plakias Forums
Plakias => Holiday Companies => Topic started by: grahame on July 23, 2013, 12:34:33 PM
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Hi,
Have booked two weeks at the Irida departing from Gatwick on 1st October at 0955 with Small Planet Airlines (SPA) Flight P7487. I've read some terrible reports of SPA particularly with flights to Skiathos and kefallonia. Has anyone flown out of Gatwick with SPA, and what was your experience?
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Hi Grahame,
Don't be put off by the bad reviews of Small Planet. We've just come back from a holiday with Olympic to Sivota in Northern Greece, and flew to Preveza with Small Planet from Manchester. The crew were helpful without being over-friendly, the service was fine and the planes comfortable. The upholstery in the plane going out was in better nick than in the one coming back, and the landing in Manchester was a little bit wobbly, but otherwise no problem. On time both ways and we left from, and arrived in, the right airport!
Having said that, Preveza does not really compare to the chaos of Heraklion. There were three flights out on the day we left - for the whole day! But Manchester and Gatwick might be fairly comparable.
Arnaki
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Just found a post on the Small Planet Airlines Facebook page that says that SPA fights from Birmingham and Gatwick will be taken over at the end of July by Greenjet. This is confirmed on their website. http://www.greenjet.gr/NewsEvents/tabid/406/language/en-GB/Default.aspx (http://www.greenjet.gr/NewsEvents/tabid/406/language/en-GB/Default.aspx)
They are a new company with their headquarters in Athens - fingers crossed !
Thanks for your response Arnaki.
Grahame
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Free Bucks Fuzz - that sounds rather jolly! Enjoy your flight :)
Arnaki
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Small Planet were not bad at all; I suppose there was a residual 'ex-command economy' lack of humour (or perhaps this was just a cultural thing) but in general, the flight was fine. Would be very happy to fly with them again.
It was the replacement flight that ruined things for us in May, not the airline, but - in my opinion - Olympic's utterly disingenuous behaviour (see rant elsewhere on this site). Some people found out about re-scheduled flights whilst in Plakias.
Seeing people landing at Gatwick in the middle of the night, when they had expected to arrive at a civilised hour, really didn't make me think very highly of Olympic.
My wife has health issues around sleep and we booked a day flight for that reason. Olympic quoted us (fairly obnoxiously) a four-figure sum to fly back at roughly the same time that we;d originally boked. Apparently, this was OK because their Ts and Cs cover this. Read carefully... Personally, I despise this kind of behaviour.
(Ranting) Richard.
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Small Planet fiasco continues! 0955 from LGW to Heraklion cancelled due to no Small Planet plane available! Replaced by Samair ( Slovakian) flight CCS3036 scheduled for 1330 but left at 1430. Some people have been bumped off other flights due to downsize of aircraft and told they could cancel and get a refund or go with alternative flights involving a long wait/alternative airport and get £25 compensation! The customer care from Olympic is disgusting!
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For me, the Olympic service died along with the Monarch relationship. No matter what you think of the Monarch in flight service, seating etc. they are dependable. Olympic now seem to be seeking the cheapest flights, with predictable results.
They lost me when our first post Monarch holiday included day flights, for which I paid a premium, had them changed to night flights but refused a refund of the premium charge - read the small print! I will never use Olympic again and feel sorry for those whose financial position leaves them little choice but to use them.
Mike
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I agree with Mike.
The continuing flight problems caused by using tiny airlines seems to me to have been inevitable. Olympic knew this but declines to resolve the issue. It's more evidence of Olympics indifference to customer care. I would happily pay a small amount (£) more for the reliability of a larger and more reputable airline.
This year we flew Condor from Dusseldorf with Tui Germany. It's a long story - but proved that flights and transfers can be straight forward.
Like Mike, I don't think I will book Olympic again (until the company sees sense). So I am unsure when I will see Plakias again.
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Roy
Sorry to hear you may never see Plakias again because of lousy service from Olympic.
Please remember it's very easy to travel independently. Use the local buses for transfer. You need to check timetables (available on the web at http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.com/timetable (http://www.bus-service-crete-ktel.com/timetable)).
I understand that Olympic transfer can take up to three hours. The bus doesn't take much longer.
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I think the crucial test about whether Olympic has taken on board all the complaints about their use of "mickey mouse" airlines will be in the 2014 programme.
I used to think Monarch was mediocre but as a previous post said, they did seem to be reliable.
As has been discussed many times on the forum, for those who are concerned about how much their holiday costs, the independent route cannot compare with Olympic, particularly for single travellers.
The point about the Olympic transfer versus use of buses is a fair one. However, even it is does take 3 hours, at least I am sitting in an air conditioned coach, relaxing and thinking about my first Plakias meal. Much preferable to a three part journey in the heat, when any part could result in more delay and stress.
Mike
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I think the crucial test about whether Olympic has taken on board all the complaints about their use of "mickey mouse" airlines will be in the 2014 programme.
The BIG question is - do they take on board any complaints? I'm still waiting for an email back from them (I've sent 2 in June :o). Anyway is this Greenjet thing replacing SPA or what from Gatwick and Birmingham. I can't find any flight info-are they flying yet?(Excel/Viking/Greenjet is this another ruse?)
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The point about the Olympic transfer versus use of buses is a fair one. However, even it is does take 3 hours, at least I am sitting in an air conditioned coach, relaxing and thinking about my first Plakias meal. Much preferable to a three part journey in the heat, when any part could result in more delay and stress.
Mike
As an independent traveller I invariably use public transport to get from the airport to Plakias. The arrangement suits me fine. I don't think I could stand being confined to one seat for three hours. Because you have to change buses/coaches you get the opportunity to stretch your legs, and I think it adds variety to the journey. And while you might sometimes have to wait in the heat for your next connection, this doesn't bother me at all. The inter-city coaches are also air-conditioned, and all bus services are very reliable.
Noopsy
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I totally agree with you Noopsy and for many of the same reasons.
I also prefer not to be locked into 7 and 14 days slots always based on Tuesdays.
Travelling to Plakias independently is so easy.
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We have gone independent for many years now as we used to hate the long transfers with Olympic and have had many which lasted well over 3 hours!
We contact the apartment owner by email.
Book flights with Jet2 which have always been excellent & without a hitch.
Hire a car from Just Car Rentals for the duration, excellent service and no hidden charges.
Last time we got off the plane, reclaimed our luggage and were in our hire car in less than 40 mins.
The drive over takes between 1.5 & 2 hours depending on traffic but it is very straightforward and it couldn't be easier.
Going independent may work out more expensive but it gives you so much freedom.
Also having the car gives us the option to visit the surrounding countryside or go on excursions if the wind gets too strong.
We met a family during our stay who had flew with Small Planet from Birmingham and had lost a full day of their holiday due to last minute flight changes, they were dreading the return flight and were constantly having to check to make sure it was still on!
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Make it even faster. Don't reclaim luggage.
Just take a small case on board.
After all, it is a beach holiday. What is there to take?
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We do tend to travel as light as poss, but once snorkelling equipment, toiletries & suncreams are added to the bare minium of clothes, we do need a case.
However we have plenty of spare allowance on return to load case with plastic bottles of the village wine (well wrapped in towels and dirty clothes) to bring back and enjoy!!!
Yamass
;)
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We have gone independent for many years now as we used to hate the long transfers with Olympic and have had many which lasted well over 3 hours!
We contact the apartment owner by email.
Book flights with Jet2 which have always been excellent & without a hitch.
Hire a car from Just Car Rentals for the duration, excellent service and no hidden charges.
Last time we got off the plane, reclaimed our luggage and were in our hire car in less than 40 mins.
The drive over takes between 1.5 & 2 hours depending on traffic but it is very straightforward and it couldn't be easier.
Going independent may work out more expensive but it gives you so much freedom.
Also having the car gives us the option to visit the surrounding countryside or go on excursions if the wind gets too strong.
We met a family during our stay who had flew with Small Planet from Birmingham and had lost a full day of their holiday due to last minute flight changes, they were dreading the return flight and were constantly having to check to make sure it was still on!
I totally agree with everything you said there PL and I've not used a travel company for many years either. To email the apartments for vacancies and booking a flight is so easy and like you I pick up a car from the airport (using 'Just') and returned it to the airport when I left...... and I got a flight to Chania which in my opinion is much prefered than Heraklion.
It is more expensive, but the freedom is there to organise your own holiday and to have transport waiting for you at the airport gets you to Plakias in no time. I always get an early morning flight out, then I can get into the room, get organised and be out on the town by 3-4.00pm and settle in nicely.
I could possible use an agent again, but I would always get a car for the transfers and have the availability of it for two weeks. (I hate that bus transfer, it took 4 hours once it was yuk!)
Highly recomended, but it can be costly, but not excessively so! There's only the one agent from the UK going to Plakias now and if they withdraw..... private travelling can be fun and to have the freedom it gives you makes the holiday so much more satisfying.
Kali taxidi
george...
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We have also made our own arrangements in recent years, since the choice of operators diminished to just Olympic and also having realised that the flexibility of making one's own arrangements really does make for a better holiday, for us at least.
This year, we booked with Olympic as a last minute decision that, in retrospect, I really regret. It wasn't that much cheaper, either. Booking an apartment directly and either hiring a car at Heraklion or having the apartment owner book a reasonably priced taxi, works well and is a nice start to the holiday.
Having travelled elsewhere in Greece using the excellent and reasonably priced public transport - even on tine islands - I don't know why we haven't done this for trips to Plakias. I agree whole-heartedly with the post somewhere above where Mike makes the point that it adds to the enjoyment of the holiday. We will be back late in September, think we might try this.
Richard
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Hi.....have just been advised that our flights have been altered from mid evening to 11.20am on the 17th Sept from South terminal at Gatwick to Heraklion with flight no QS3054. I cannot find any reference to these flights on the Gatwick site or, for that matter, on any of the usual travel sites.......anyone any idea as to which company this refers to ?
Although we don't mind getting to Plakias a little sooner than planned, we are now having to completely rearrange all our travel plans ( with the additional costs !) as getting to Gatwick in time to check in will be impossible on the day and we're going to have to stay overnight when we leave and when we get back...so much for 'no hidden costs' !
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I believe QS refers to Travel Service of the Czech Republic. Never flown with them so cannot comment further, sorry.
Have a good holiday (I hope!)
M<ike
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We are flying from Leeds/Bradford on 14th Sept. with Olympic.
Flight No. starts with ZB ???
Anyone else going from here or know much about the airline company ??
Thanks
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ZB is Monarch airlines.
Barny.
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Mike is right, QS flights are Travel Services. I've just had my flights changed from 0955 P7487 Small Planet to 1120 Travel Services QS 3054. I'm happy not to be flying with Small Planet but annoyed that we will get to Plakias 1hr 30 mins later. Also I will hit the M25 road works during the rush hour! On my flight amendment letter though it still shows the return flight as P7488 at 1650. This is rubbish as you normally always return on the same plane that you arrive on. Gatwick arrivals show this as QS 3055 (Travel Services). Olympic really are hopeless!
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Interesting.....the changes mean that we actually get to Plakias on the 17th and not at about 05.30 on the 18th......feels a bit like we're all being herded on to one plane so I hope the flight is OK. Thanks for the feedback !
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ZB is Monarch airlines.
Barny.
Thank's Barny
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Mike is right, QS flights are Travel Services. I've just had my flights changed from 0955 P7487 Small Planet to 1120 Travel Services QS 3054. I'm happy not to be flying with Small Planet but annoyed that we will get to Plakias 1hr 30 mins later. Also I will hit the M25 road works during the rush hour! On my flight amendment letter though it still shows the return flight as P7488 at 1650. This is rubbish as you normally always return on the same plane that you arrive on. Gatwick arrivals show this as QS 3055 (Travel Services). Olympic really are hopeless!
Hello Grahame,
With Olympic you can't assume you will return on the flight you arrived on.
As has been said on this forum many times, Olympic using "Mickey Mouse" airlines Ltd (with apologies to Walt Disney) is doing their reputation no good at all and if they have any business sense at all they will address it.
Don't expect any compensation by the way.
Mike
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Mike is right, QS flights are Travel Services. I've just had my flights changed from 0955 P7487 Small Planet to 1120 Travel Services QS 3054. I'm happy not to be flying with Small Planet but annoyed that we will get to Plakias 1hr 30 mins later. Also I will hit the M25 road works during the rush hour! On my flight amendment letter though it still shows the return flight as P7488 at 1650. This is rubbish as you normally always return on the same plane that you arrive on. Gatwick arrivals show this as QS 3055 (Travel Services). Olympic really are hopeless!
Hello Grahame,
With Olympic you can't assume you will return on the flight you arrived on.
As has been said on this forum many times, Olympic using "Mickey Mouse" airlines Ltd (with apologies to Walt Disney) is doing their reputation no good at all and if they have any business sense at all they will address it.
Don't expect any compensation by the way.
Mike
Hi Mike,
Totally agree with you. Olympic have ruined so many peoples holidays this year by using rubbish airlines. Unfortunately, if you do not want to go to Plakias independently then Olympic are the only option, and you can often get a very good deal. On my last two bookings with them they have changed both the carrier and the flight time! It was a shame that First Choice pulled out as I never had any problems with them. It wouldn't surprise me if Olympic go under, they have had so many complaints this year with people stating that they would never book with them again! Small Planet Airlines are liable for massive payouts for delays but will probably get away with it being based in Lithuainia/Poland.
Grahame
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Small Planet Airlines are liable for massive payouts for delays but will probably get away with it being based in Lithuainia/Poland.
Grahame
Shouldn't do as they are an EU airline.
Noopsy
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Hi.....have just been advised that our flights have been altered from mid evening to 11.20am on the 17th Sept from South terminal at Gatwick to Heraklion with flight no QS3054. I cannot find any reference to these flights on the Gatwick site or, for that matter, on any of the usual travel sites.......anyone any idea as to which company this refers to ?
Although we don't mind getting to Plakias a little sooner than planned, we are now having to completely rearrange all our travel plans ( with the additional costs !) as getting to Gatwick in time to check in will be impossible on the day and we're going to have to stay overnight when we leave and when we get back...so much for 'no hidden costs' !
I received an e-mail from Olympic today announcing that they have "teamed up" with Germania and Travel Service. Germania operating Airbus A319s out of Manchester and Gatwick and Travel Service A Boeing 737-800 out of Gatwick. I wonder how stable the team up will be?
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I'm going to be happier once I get to Gatwick and see the flight on the boards...at the moment, Gatwick's departures schedule doesn't appear to have anything for 11.20 on the 17th but Olympic Holidays have confirmed they do.......I'll leave it to you to decide but we're turning up anyway !!!
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I'm going to be happier once I get to Gatwick and see the flight on the boards...at the moment, Gatwick's departures schedule doesn't appear to have anything for 11.20 on the 17th but Olympic Holidays have confirmed they do.......I'll leave it to you to decide but we're turning up anyway !!!
Flight QS3054 has departed from LGW for the last few Tuesdays. (last week it was an hour late). If you look at Gatwick's website tomorrow it will be listed under "Smartwings". I'm on the same flight on 1st October. My tickets show the return flight as Smartwings/Small Planet P7488 leaving Heraklion at 1650. However the only flight leaving Heraklion for the last few Tuesdays has been "Smartwings" flight QS3055 which is obviously the return leg of QS3054. The funny things is you cannot see these flights listed under "arrivals/departures" at Heraklion airport or track the flights through any of the flight tracking websites! I would much prefer to fly Smartwings than Small Planet. Hopefully Olympic will have finally got their act together after a disastrous summer of flight cancellations/delays.
Grahame
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I wonder do Olympic give a monkey's... Perhaps they want to pull out of the south coast altogether? Easier to ship cattle as well as customers to Ag Nik or Malia from Heraklion than to Plakias.
They have a monopoly on the charter scene and perhaps they can abuse it. We have made our own arrangements over the last few years, but used Olympic in May for a last minute week in Plakias and regret it a lot. Olympic's 'customer service' simply made my blood boil. (See rant elsewhere.)
Here again now, in Skinos apartments (that I can't recommend too highly, incidentally), having flown via Zurich with Swissair and taken taxi to Plakias. Cost more, but this is supposed to be relaxing and the trip was part of the holiday, nice flights and avoiding the 3-4 hour coach transfer.
Sitting on terrace, with a beer, having watched another lovely sunset behind the dragon whilst eating dinner. Grand!
Richard
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Just got back from Plakias booked with Olympic and flew from Leeds/Bradford with Monarch Airlines.On time with no complaints !
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Never had the slightest problem when they used Monarch! Can we hope that experience has encouraged them to return to this carrier?