Our flight was with the Hungarian flag carrier Malev. We started in the morning from Dublin Terminal 1.
There were check in machines, and we tried to use them, but they didn't work, so we checked in with the efficient staff at the counter. We had a connection in Budapest and our boarding passes were printed out for both legs. Our hold baggage was checked through to the end destination, so we didn't have to worry about it. My better half likes sitting at the window, but on neither leg did we have a window seat.
Our first flight was to Budapest. Malev doesn't have any luggage charges for the first piece and a free snack and beverages during flight.
The seats were comfortable and the cabin overall clean. One of my pet peeves is, when the seats are dirty. Unfortunately we encounter this more often on our travels. The seat configuration was three on each side.
We liked the in-flight magazine and coincidently the cover story was about Kiev. The flight took around three hours and there was in-flight entertainment available.
The snack consisted of a large croissant, filled either with ham and cheese or cheese and was good.
There was a choice of tea, coffee, water, juices and soft drinks available.
Our flight arrived punctual at Budapest's Ferihegy International Airport.
At the airport we had to go through another security check before we could connect. We were surprised, because obviously we already had gone through one in Dublin. It seems we weren't the only ones. A lot of full water bottles were confiscated, because of the liquid ban.
We reached the entrance to our gate quickly, but couldn't use it, because it wasn't open yet.
In the waiting lounge were a bar, duty free shop, Hungarian souvenir shop, a bookstore and a jeweler, specialized in amber. There weren't many seating spaces.
Soon it was time for our flight. After presenting our boarding passes and passports we took a seat at the gate. After a short wait we were allowed onto the plane.
Again a snack was offered - you guessed it already - ham and cheese or cheese sandwich. It was in a white bred roll
On this route the preferred juice was tomato.
Again the flight was comfortable and arrived on time at Kiev Borispol International Airport. It took around two hours.
German citizens don't require a visa to enter Ukraine. Immigration queues were long and it wasn't clear, if we had to fill out the forms provided in the area before approaching the counter. We did just in case. The immigration officer didn't even look at the forms and tried to speak Russian with us. She was a bit impatient, but after clarifying where we stayed she gave us a stamp into our passports, and we were free to go. We had arranged pick up by car and driver with the Hyatt Regency Kiev. The driver was already waiting.
After four nights at the Hyatt Regency it was time to return. We calculated in a lot of time to get to the airport, but the traffic was fluid, not the expected traffic jam. From the airport to the city center it was a different matter.
We arrived nearly three hours before our flight and had to wait (nearly an hour) until the check in counter opened. The check in was friendly and efficient. Again we didn't get a window seat.
Borispol International Airport is going through an enlargement and renovation at the moment. It didn't take anything away from our experience. We bought Ukrainian chocolate (very tasty) and clothing for me. They also have a good watch and fabulous wine, champagne and vodka selection.
On each leg we had the same food selection. The only difference was during the leg between Kiev and Budapest. The sandwich bread used was dark. It seems to be a Ukrainian specialty, because I've seen it at the breakfast buffet and at in room dining of the Hyatt Regency as well.
Another interesting observation was an Eastern European gentleman reading Playboy magazine during the flight. Otherwise the flights were eventless and pleasant.
We liked Malev, because the staff is efficient and friendly, the airline is punctual, reasonable priced (of course depending, when the flight is booked) tickets, comfortable seats, free luggage allowance, free drinks and snacks.
The snacks could get too one sided, when flying frequently with Malev.
Should travel take us places where Malev is flying to, we definitely will use them again.
Please also look out for the Hyatt Regency Kiev review.
©2011
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