Airline review: LOT Polish Airlines economy, London to Warsaw

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 7 years ago

Airline review: LOT Polish Airlines economy, London to Warsaw

By Ute Junker
LOT flies from London Heathrow to Warsaw three times a day.

LOT flies from London Heathrow to Warsaw three times a day.Credit: Ted Fahn

THE ROUTE

London to Warsaw

THE PLANE

Boeing 737-400; LOT has six of these aircraft in its fleet, configured for 148 to 162 passengers.

THE LOYALTY SCHEME

Lufthansa's Miles and More program (Star Alliance).

CLASS

Economy, 7C in a 3-3 layout.

DURATION

Advertisement

Two hours, 30 minutes

THE FREQUENCY

LOT flies from London Heathrow to Warsaw three times a day. Economy airfares start at £127.

THE SEAT

Economy seats have a 29-inch (74-centimetre) pitch, and are 18 inches (45 centimetres) wide.

BAGGAGE

Up to two items of checked luggage weighing up to 23 kilograms, and one bag up to six kilograms carry on.

COMFORT

I have travelled on many budget flights across the continent, but have rarely experienced a flight as uncomfortable as this one. To be fair, this is one of the older planes in LOT's fleet – the newer Embraer 195s that also work this route are more comfortable. On this plane, however, the seats are so narrow and close together that, even though I have the aisle seat, I have to contort myself to get in and out of my seat. The aisle is also narrow: every time the attendant pours a glass of water, she risks elbowing a passenger in the face. It is worth noting that, on my connecting LOT flight from Warsaw to Krakow, although the plane is smaller, it is much more comfortable.

ENTERTAINMENT

Bring a book or a tablet.

THE SERVICE

A serious departure delay causes problems for those of us with connecting flights, even though the captain manages to shave half an hour off the scheduled flight time. I let an attendant know that I have another LOT flight that day, and he comes back to me before we land. Although I have missed my connection, there are more flights that afternoon, he tells me. When I get to the transfer desk, the efficient staff has already booked me on to the next flight.

FOOD

There is no such thing as a free lunch for LOT's economy passengers. Every passenger is offered a glass of water and a chocolate-covered wafer. Anything else, such as soft drinks and sandwiches, must be paid for.

ONE MORE THING

Have you ever had a flight delayed because the onboard power generator is broken and they need to source another one? It's a first for me, too.

THE VERDICT

Flying LOT is a bit like playing roulette. The Embraer planes are fine, but the older ones are decidedly uncomfortable.

Reviewed by Ute Junker, who travelled courtesy of Insight Vacations.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading