My Flight Review for 2014

Welcome to My Flight Review for the year 2014!

For those who been reading my reports, I hope you enjoy reading them. It never crosses my mind that my website would gain more than 200,000 views, and because of it, I am motivated to produce better trip reports. Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Meanwhile, I am updating my old trip reports to improve the contents. 

My next flight will take place on March 2015. Scoot's 787-9 Dreamliner will kick start this year's reports. Stay tuned for it! 

Do check out my Flight Review for 2015, click here

My Flying Adventure in 2014 

2014 has been a roller coaster year for me, fortunately, more good than bad. For flying, I have been quite lucky and I can't ask for more.  

Flying is my passion and to be able to try out the number of airlines I flew so far is a blessing. Not only do I get to experience the airlines' hospitality, but I also get to experience the culture of different countries which makes me wiser. Sometimes you have to experience the bad in order to be a smarter traveller and that happened to me a couple of occasions. 

So let me conclude my flying adventure of 2014 with you. 

Do take note: My in-flight experience on these carriers may be different from others especially on service, it depends on the type of crew you get. So keep an open mind when you fly on airlines that I don't rate. 

For this post, I will be rating every airline flown in 2014 and list the top airlines in different categories.  For example: Best in-flight service, best in-flight meal....etc

Hopefully, you find the information useful for your future flights. 

2014 is a record-breaking year for me in terms of the number of flights flown. I doubt I break this record in 2015 but I never know. 

Without further ado, let's get started! 

My flights for 2014

Here is the map of my flights flown in 2014:

As you notice, I flew to mostly Asian cities and Helsinki was the only city outside of Asia in 2014, and hopefully, that would change this year. 

Airports visited in 2014: 

Jakarta (CGK), Denpasar Bali (DPS), Surabaya (SUB) - First time, Pankalanbun Iskandar Airport (PKN) - First time, Batam (BTH) - First time, Johor Bahru (JHB), KUL (Kuala Lumpur KLIA1 and KLIA2 (First time), Subang Airport (SZB), Vietnam (SGN), Bangkok (BKK), Don Muang (DMK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hong Kong (HKG), Makong (MZG) - First time, Taitung (TTT) - First time, Taipei Taoyuan (TPE), Taipei Songshan (TSA), Helsinki (HEL), Seoul Incheon (ICN), Seoul Gimpo (GMP), Jeju (CJU) - First time, Osaka Kansai (KIX), Osaka Itami (ITM) - First time, Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Sapporo (CTS) - First time

Airlines flew in 2014: 

SilkAir X 2 (First time), Kuwait Airways (First time), Garuda Indonesia X 2, Sriwijaya (First time), Malindo Air X 3, Citilink (First Time), Trigana Air (First time), Kalstar Aviation (First time), Tiger Mandala (First time and now defunct), Air Asia, Cathay Pacific X 2, Peach Aviation X 2, Eastar Jet X 2(First time), Vanilla Air (First time), Jeju Air (First time), Air Busan (First time), T'way (First time), Korean Air (First time), Air India (First time), Finnair X 2, Vietjetair (First time), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways X 2, EVA Air, China Airlines (First time), Mandarin Airlines X 2 (First time), Far Eastern Transport X 2 , Ethiopian Airlines, Jetstar, Royal Jordanian X 2, Uzbekistan Airways (First time), Nok Air (First time), Thai Smile (First Time)

Aircraft types flown in 2014: 

ATR72-600, Airbus A320, A321, A330-200,-300, A340-300, Boeing 737--400,-500,-700,-800,-900ER, Boeing 747-400, Boeing 767-300ER, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 787-8, CRJ1000, ERJ190

A short review of each airline

Air Busan

Aircraft type: Airbus A321

Route: Seoul Gimpo to Jeju

Trip report link: Click here

Cabin photo of HL8213

This airline is a Korean Low-Cost Carrier, a subsidiary of Asiana Airlines and I am impressed with the legroom space (34 inches). The seat is comfortable and the service was great! Can't ask for more on this short hop. A complimentary drink was served and that was it for this short 50 minutes flight. Overall rating: A+

Air India

Aircraft type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner 

Route: Osaka Kansai to Hong Kong

Trip report link: Click here

Cabin photo of VT-ANG

The airline's in-flight product is not bad and the seat colour makes me feel very cosy especially with the window shade dimmed. The meal was great as the catering was probably from Osaka. However, the service was mediocre, we were served by 40+ years old crew who were mostly grumpy, hardly any smiles from any of them. So overall rating: B-

Air Asia

Aircraft type: Airbus A320

Route: SIN-KUL-SIN

No Trip report 

I have flown with this airline a numerous number of times but only on SIN-KUL and return sectors. 

Cabin shot of 9M-AHI

A typical Low-Cost Carrier's cabin which consists of 5 front rows with better legroom space and the rest is standard. The in-flight meals are not bad even though I haven't tried all of them yet. Cabin service is pretty much on and off; I had good service and also not so good ones with this airline. Overall rating: B-

Cathay Pacific

Aircraft flew: Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300

Route: SIN-HKG (A333) and HKG-SIN (B773)

SIN-HKG A333 Trip Report, click here

HKG-SIN B773 Trip Report, click here

Airbus A330, B-HLO Y Class Cabin

Boeing 777-300, B-HNK Y Class Cabin

Cathay Pacific is one of the top airlines out there and I wasn't disappointed especially with the in-flight service. The crew on both flights were friendly and professional and I definitely look forward to flying with this airline again. It may not have the best IFE (In-flight entertainment system) or seat, but the reliability and in-flight service make up for it. My rating: A-

China Airlines

Aircraft flew: Boeing 747-400

Routing: TPE-HKG

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of B-18212

I was told China Airlines has better in-flight service than EVA Air so my expectation was slightly higher. I know this is just one flight but I was shocked by the service, that was how bad it was. I have to fly a few more times to give a proper verdict though but for the first impression - disappointing. This is the old Y class seats on the Boeing 747-400 which would be retired by this year, replaced by the Boeing 777-300ER which I hope to try in the near future. Overall rating: D 

Citilink

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320

Route: BTH-CGK

Trip Report: Click here

Cabin photo of PK-GLA

Cabin interior looks strange with that foldable drink holder but the seat was comfortable enough at least for short-haul. In-flight service was decent, not surprisingly since this airline is under the management of Garuda. Overall rating: B+

Eastar Jet 

Trip Report of CJU-GMP (737-700, click here)

Trip Report of KIX-ICN (737-800, click here)

Cabin photo of HL8205, Boeing 737-700

Cabin photo of HL8269, Boeing 737-800

I have to say how impressed I was with the service on both flights. The cabin crew were attentive, friendly and their command of English was good. I can't ask for more for a good crew. As for the cabin, the seat pitch is pretty tight and the interior is of the older type.  My overall rating: B+

EVA Air

Aircraft flew: Airbus A321

Routing: HKG-TPE

Trip report: Click here

This was my 9th flight with this airline, my first after becoming a star alliance member. I can see the vast improvement of both on-ground and in-flight. I was not disappointed at all. The seats were comfortable and the in-flight service was not bad. Looking forward to flying with this airline again in the near future. Overall rating: B+

Ethiopian Airlines

Aircraft flew: Boeing 767-300ER

Routing: BKK-KUL

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of ET-ALC 

This was my 2nd time flying with this airline, the first with the airline's cabin interior. The airline has so many different types of Boeing 767 configuration that it confuses even the frequent flyers. This cabin feels very nostalgic and won't please the fussy travellers. However, the airline is phasing out this aircraft as they will be replaced by the Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350. As for the service, I found it to be quite decent. The African crew were friendly and professional, was quite happy with their service. Overall rating: B-

Far Eastern Transport

Aircraft flew: MD-82

Routing: TSA-MZG-TSA

Trip Report: Click here

Cabin photo of B-28017, MD-82

As much I enjoy flying the MD-80, the seat pitch of this configuration is very tight and uncomfortable especially on a full flight. To make things worse, the service on board wasn't good due to the unfriendly nature of the crew. My rating: C- 

Finnair

Aircraft flew: Airbus A340-300

Route: SIN-HEL-SIN

Trip Report Part 1 (SIN-HEL): Click here

Trip Report Part 2 (HEL-SIN): Click here

Finnair's ex-Air France cabin, OH-LQG

Finnair's own Y class cabin, OH-LQB 

I managed to fly on the airline's A340 different Y class cabin and you can really the difference especially flying on this long haul route. Flying on the ex-Air France machine makes you feel ancient but the Finnair's owned aircraft is definitely better. Service on both flights was disappointing. Overall rating: C- 

Garuda

Aircraft flew: CRJ1000 and Airbus A330-200

Routes: CGK-DPS and DPS-SUB

Trip report of A330-200 (CGK-DPS): Click here

Trip report of CRJ-1000 (DPS-SUB): Click here

 Airbus A330-200 Y class Cabin, PK-GPH

CRJ1000 Y class cabin, PK-GLI

I haven't flown on the previous generation of Garuda but I have to say this airline has improved by leaps and bounds and my flights with this airline didn't disappoint. The service onboard both flights impressed me and the seat comfort is good especially on the CRJ1000. Overall rating: A

Jeju Air

Aircraft flew: Boeing 737-800

Route: ICN-NRT 

Trip report: Click here

Cabin interior of HL8263

A Low-Cost Carrier from Korea based in Jeju. The seat pitch is similar to other 737NG Low-Cost Operators but is bearable for the 2 hours flight. What impressed me is the in-flight service, the crew were very hospitable and friendly, I will not hesitate to fly with this airline again. Overall rating: B+

Jetstar Asia

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320

Route: KUL-SIN

Trip Report: Click here

Cabin interior of 9V-JSS

The seats are the newer ones in the airline's fleet and its more comfortable than the older ones but I prefer the safety cards and magazines to be at the seat pocket. As for the service, I find this set of crew disappointing. All four of them were seen at the front cabin for most parts of the flight.

 Overall rating: B

Kalstar Aviation

Aircraft flew: Boeing 737-500

Route: PKN-CGK

Trip report: Click here

Cabin interior of PK-KSP

The seat pitch is tight but comfortable for my back. The cabin crew were friendly and professional. One of them smiled at me when she gave me the snack box. This set of crew is one of the best I had on my Indonesia trip. I hope to see this airline expanding to other parts of Indonesia. 

Overall rating: A- 

Kenya Airways

Aircraft flew: Boeing 787-8 

Route: BKK-HKG-BKK

Trip report for BKK-HKG sector: Click here

Trip report for HKG-BKK sector: Click here

Cabin photo of 5Y-KZB

An improvement over the older Y and J class products on the older aircraft. Better seats and IFE system on a new aircraft is the right direction. It may not have the nicest cabin interior, but the seats and IFE system works for me. As for the cabin service, it is not too bad. They were professional and friendly. Overall rating: A-

Korean Air

Aircraft flew: Boeing 747-400 

Route: GMP-CJU

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of HL7493

I booked purposely on this flight was to fly on the Boeing 747-400, an almost empty one in fact. It was a memorable one as I was allowed to roam around snapping photos of the cabin and my 60th airline card was signed by the cabin crew. The seats may not be the latest but it was comfortable and the crew were top notch! Overall rating: A+ 

Kuwait Airways

Aircraft flew: Airbus A340-300
Route: KUL-CGK
For my trip report, click here

Cabin interior of 9K-ANB

The cabin interior is similar to Finnair's A340-300 (OH-LQG). Fortunately, the airline has ordered new aircraft to replace this (Airbus A350 and Boeing 777-300ER) so regular passengers of this airline have to bear a bit longer. Cabin crew were friendly and professional but reserved. It was a good flight! Overall rating: B


Malindo Air

Aircraft flew: ATR72, Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737-900ER
Routes: SZB-JHB, KUL-SIN and CGK-KUL respectively

For my trip report on the ATR-72-600 (SZB-JHB), click here
                                                    Boeing 737-800 (KUL-SIN), click here

(CGK-KUL- no trip report)

Cabin shot of ATR 72-600, 9M-LMK

Cabin shot of Boeing 737-800, 9M-LNM

Cabin shot of Boeing 737-900ER, 9M-LNK

This airline has a fantastic cabin interior on both ATR and Boeing. Even though the ATR doesn't offer IFE system, the seats are comfortable with ample legroom space. As for the Boeing 737-800 and -900ER, they share the same interior and I am definitely impressed with the airline's in-flight products and the cheap airfares. Cabin crew service, on the other hand, is hit-and-miss. Overall rating: A-

Mandarin Airlines

Aircraft flew: ERJ190
Routes: TSA-TTT-TSA
Trip report: Click here

Cabin shot of B-16821

The spacious interior of the ERJ190 always impresses me and this is no different. The seat is very comfortable with a good amount of legroom space. Cabin crew were on the spot - professional and friendly. Overall rating: A

Nok Air

Aircraft flew: Boeing 737-800

Route: DMK-CNX

Trip report: Click here!

Cabin shot of HS-DBH

An outdated cabin with very tight seat pitch and not-so-comfortable seats. Luckily, the flight duration was only an hour, however, that was compensated by the wonderful service I got from the crew. Not only were they helpful, but they were also cheerful and smiling throughout the flight to passengers. A very good set of the crew I must say. Overall rating: B+

Peach Aviation

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320
Routing: HKG-KIX and CTS-KIX
Trip report: Click here (HKG-KIX) and here (CTS-KIX)

Cabin shot of JA801P

Cabin shot of JA808P (Newer cabin)

The seats on both old and new interior are comfortable, legroom space is the same as other A320 Low-Cost Carriers but the leather seat is pretty comfy. The service onboard both flights was excellent, especially the Hong Kong to Osaka crew. Best Low-Cost Carrier among the ones I flew on so far. Overall rating: A+ 

Royal Jordanian

Aircraft flew: Boeing 787-8 

Routes: KUL-BKK-KUL

Trip report for KUL-BKK sector, click here 

Trip report for BKK-KUL sector, click here

Cabin shot of JY-BAF

I am pleasantly surprised with Royal Jordanian's new Y and J class products. The airline has certainly impressed me with their new products and the Thai crew who are much friendlier than the Middle Eastern crew (my previous flight with the airline). The seats are comfortable and the service was not bad. Only thing I had to complain about is the in-flight meal on the afternoon flight, the passengers should have been served with a hot meal, not sandwiches. Overall rating: B+

Silkair

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800
Routes: SIN-KUL-SIN
Trip report for SIN-KUL Airbus A320 sector: Click here
Trip report for KUL-SIN Boeing 737-800 sector: Click here

Cabin shot of 9V-SLB

Cabin shot of 9V-MGA

This is a comparison between the old and new Y class products. The old Y class on the A320 has better legroom space than the 737's. I chose the old Y class seats for this reason alone. The new seats on the Boeing 737 are hard and uncomfortable and I avoid them in the near future if possible. The only positive spot about both flights is the good service from the crew. Overall rating: B-

Singapore Airlines

Aircraft flew: Airbus A330-300
Route: KUL-SIN
Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of 9V-STT

The airline's Y class product is probably one of the best in the market but the shocking service I had on this flight especially at the end made me wonder, as I was getting off the aircraft. Overall rating: B-

Sriwijaya Air

Aircraft flew: Boeing 737-500

Route: SUB-CGK

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of PK-CLI

What I was not happy about this airline was not the 3-hours delay, but how they handled it. Seats were very cramped and the service was mediocre. The airline's slogan - Your Flying Partner; my answer is 'No'. 

Overall rating: D-

T'Way

Aircraft flew: Boeing 737-800

Route: CJU-GMP

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of HL8235

A typical Korean Low-Cost Carrier cabin but the seat isn't comfortable. However, the service was decent but not as polished as the others. Therefore, I rate them the lowest among the Korean carriers flown so far. Overall rating: B-

Thai Smile

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320 with sharklets

Route: CNX-DMK

Trip report: Click here

Cabin photo of HS-TXN

The cabin interior caught my eye when I was making my way to my seat. It gives me a warm and cosy feeling and the seat is pretty comfortable. The service on board was good; the crew were friendly and professional, though slightly reserved. Overall rating: A

Tiger Mandala

Aircraft flew: Airbus A320

Route: CGK-SIN

Click here for the trip report

Cabin photo of PK-RMN 

(This aircraft is now with Indigo, registered as VT-IDA.)

Its a pity this airline disappeared from aviation. The cabin seats were uncomfortable due to the tight seat-pitch, especially at the back. The crew were average; some of them seemed to be inexperienced, from the way they interacted with the passengers. Overall rating: C

Trigana Air

Click here for the trip report

Cabin photo of PK-YSF

I was disappointed to be flying on the 737-400 instead of the 737-200. Well, life goes on. Cabin seat is hard and seat pitch is tight. The cabin crew were busy with their own stuff most of the time. The only thing that caught my eye was the attractive 'Kebaya'. Other than that, it was a mediocre flight. 

Overall rating: D

Uzbekistan Airways

Aircraft flew: Boeing 767-300ER

Route: SIN-KUL

Click here for the trip report

Cabin Photo of UK-67004

I was pleasantly surprised with the cabin. The seats are comfortable and the IFE system apart from the language setting is impressive. However, the service was a disappointment. The crew disappeared just before take-off and only appeared after the aircraft reached its gate. Overall rating: B- 

Vanilla Air

Aircraft type: Airbus A320

Route: NRT-CTS

Click here for the trip report

The cabin seats are standard, not much different from the other Low-Cost Carriers. Somehow I feel the seat pitch seems to be tighter than the others. The service, on the other hand, was excellent, as expected from the Japanese. Overall rating: B

Credits to the respective photographers from airliners.net.

Do take note: This "award" is based on my flying experience with these airlines and has nothing to do with Skytrax or others. 

Charles Ryan's Airlines Award for 2014

Best Premium Airline flew: Garuda Indonesia

Best Low-Cost Carrier flew: Peach Aviation

Best in-flight meal: Kuwait Airways

Absolutely delicious, one of the few meals that I wouldn't mind a second helping. 

Most comfortable economy class seats: Air Busan 

Mainly for the 34-inch legroom space. 

Best in-flight crew: Korean Air on KE1221 (HL7493)

For being very accommodating and helpful. 

Fastest flight:  Kenya Airways KQ861 BKK-HKG (We were 40 minutes early)

Most enjoyable aircraft to fly on (Tough decision): MD-82 

It was a toss between this and the 787 Dreamliner. 

Not for the cabin but for the aircraft's performance which never fails to impress me. 

The airline with the nicest livery: Royal Jordanian

Airline with the nicest cabin interior (Y class): Malindo Air

Most Interesting Airport: Sapporo Chitose Airport 

You can check out more photos of this airport over here.

Best Airport Experience: Seoul Incheon Airport 

It was a tough decision between this and Hong Kong Airport. What was the deciding factor? The on-ground service. Changi Airport is a position behind these 2. 

Conclusion

It was a great year for flying, breaking my personal record of flights as a result. I don't normally fly a lot but I manage to do so because of time and more importantly, great deals I picked up along the way. 

Thanks for reading and do follow my 2015 adventure.

Click here for my 2015 Flight Review! 

Cheers,

Charles