Avoid Excel

[J F Markham]

Just got back from a week at the excellent Grand Courlan, however cannot recomend Excel Airways. We flew on a Thursday and these are my opinions.

As for Excel Airways the only thing I think they excel at is being late. The plane coming to Gatwick for us was late, we then departed late as we missed our slot. We were also advised they were to go via Grenada to deliver supplies, part way through the flight they then told no we are going straight to Tobago (late arrival anyway). On leaving we get to the airport to discover a 4 hour delay as the plane was late coming in! When we got on the plane neither the Captain or Crew made an apology and acted as though we were on time! So as far as I can see Excel cannot run an on time airline. The plane itself needed internal refurbishment, my seat was broken and the seat headset connection outbound and return was intermitent. Our advise would be to use an alternative such as BA or Virgin (BWIA got terrible reviews by some guests at the hotel).

Cheers, John

[Julie H]

Sorry to hear you had a bad flight wih delays.

I suppose it is like everything, sometimes things just don't go to plan. Remember all the BA delays in the summer?
When we flew with Excel it was on time and the upgrade to premium economy was well worth the extra and not much more than flying economy on BA or Virgin.

Hope you still enjoyed Tobago
J.H.

[Geoff M]

I guess you 'pays your money and takes your choice'.

We had a slight delay with Excel, and I would agree that the interior of the plane has seen better days, but we found the crew to be pleasant.

I'm not sure that he delays would have necessarilly been Excel's fault. I'm afraid thats a risk with any air travel these days.

As Steve Wooler said on another thread recently, at the price its an excellent service.

[Terence H]

We used Excel recently, having just returned. Some comments.

Our journey outbound was one and half hours late.
No reason given.
It was the usual uncomfortable travel (economy) but we knew this when booking.
We could hardly see the TV screen.

While in Tobago we met friends at the airport.
The plane was two hours late. Due to equipment failure they had to hug the coast.
They were lucky, there were empty seats and they stretched out.

Two weeks later we met family at the airport.
The plane was two hours late.
Due to delivery of supplies to Grenada.

Our inbound journey was two hours late.
No reason given.
My seat was broken. The arm rest moved four inches either way.
The headset did not work, therefore could not listen to film or radio.
The plane was full, could not change seats.


We always take food with us.
As the meals are pretty dreadful. (sausage and mash, which could have been great but was awful)

I know you get what you pay for but Excel economy is very uncomfortable and in my opinion does not meet the standards of basic economy travel.

We will be seeking alternatives, unless the new planes on the route , possibly starting in November , are a big improvement.

If anyone travels on the new planes please let us know how it goes.

Cheers.