As a travel blogger, I’ve had the opportunity to fly with many different airlines around the world.
Recently, I had the chance to fly with Air Arabia and I want to share my honest feedback on the experience.
Overview of Air Arabia
Air Arabia is a low-cost airline based in the United Arab Emirates.
It was founded in 2003 and is now one of the largest airlines in the Middle East, serving over 150 destinations across the globe.
Air Arabia is headquartered in Sharjah and has hubs in Ras Al Khaimah and Alexandria.
Fleet of Airplanes
Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320-200 aircraft. These planes are known for their fuel efficiency and low operating costs.
The airline also has a few Airbus A321neo LR aircraft in its fleet.
These planes are the most advanced and fuel-efficient in the A320 family, enabling Air Arabia to fly longer non-stop routes.
Pros of Flying Air Arabia
Low-Cost Fares
One of the biggest advantages of flying with Air Arabia is that it offers low-cost fares. This makes it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
I found that the prices were very competitive when compared to other airlines, even for last-minute bookings.
Extensive Route Network
Another advantage of Air Arabia is its extensive route network.
The airline serves over 150 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe. This makes it a great option for travelers looking to explore different parts of the world.
I had the opportunity to fly to multiple destinations with Air Arabia, it has always been a convenient option for me.
On-Time Performance
Air Arabia is known for its on-time performance. The airline has a reputation for being punctual, which is important for travelers who are on a tight schedule.
I found this to be true during my flight with the airline, as we took off and landed on time.
Customer Service
I was impressed by the level of customer service I received when flying with Air Arabia.
The staff were friendly, helpful, and efficient. They were always willing to assist with any questions or concerns I had.
I had a minor issue with my flight and the staff helped me resolve it quickly and efficiently.
In-flight Amenities
In-flight amenities were also quite good during my flight with Air Arabia. The seats were comfortable and the cabin was clean.
Although the airline is a low-cost carrier, they offer a variety of in-flight entertainment options, such as movies and TV shows.
They also offer a good selection of food and drinks that can be purchased on board.
Cons of Flying Air Arabia
Limited In-flight Amenities
As a low-cost carrier, Air Arabia does not offer many in-flight amenities. There is no in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi, and meals are not included in the ticket price.
On my flight, I had to purchase a meal onboard, which was a bit disappointing as I was not expecting to have to pay extra.
Carry-on Baggage Restrictions
Air Arabia has strict carry-on baggage restrictions, with a weight limit of only 10 kg.
This can be a problem for travelers who have a lot of items with them, as they may need to pay extra for checked baggage.
On one of my flights, I had to pay extra for my carry-on bag because it was slightly over the weight limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cost of tickets for Air Arabia?
The cost of tickets on Air Arabia can vary depending on the route and time of travel.
But as a low-cost airline, Air Arabia usually has prices that are lower than those of other airlines.
It’s always best to check the official website or use a travel agent to find the best deal for your specific itinerary.
What are the fees for checked baggage on Air Arabia?
Air Arabia charges for checked bags, and the price depends on the route, the travel class, and the weight of the bags.
Passengers should check the airline’s website or contact customer service for specific fees.
Also, passengers can buy “baggage add-ons” when they book their flights or at check-in to increase the number of bags they can bring.
Does Air Arabia have a loyalty program?
Yes, Air Arabia has a loyalty program called “Air Arabia Passport”.
The program allows members to earn points for every flight they take with the airline.
These points can be redeemed for rewards such as free flights and upgrades.
Membership is free and simple to obtain through the airline’s website.
What is Air Arabia’s baggage allowance?
Air Arabia’s baggage allowance varies depending on the route, travel class, and fare type.
But most economy class tickets come with a standard 20 kg limit for checked bags.
Passengers are also allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage with them on board.
For more information on baggage allowances, passengers should check the airline’s website or contact customer service.
Does Air Arabia offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?
Yes, Air Arabia offers promotions and discounts on flights, which can be found on their website or through various travel agents.
There may be discounts on round-trip or multi-city bookings, as well as lower prices for students and people over the age of 65.
Additionally, Air Arabia has a “Super Saver” fare category which offers the lowest available fare for a given route.
What is Air Arabia’s policy for changing or canceling flights?
Air Arabia’s policy for changing or canceling flights varies depending on the fare option selected.
For the “Flex” and “Value” fare options, passengers can make changes or cancellations to their booking for a fee.
But if you choose the “Super Saver” fare, you can’t change or cancel it, and you can’t get your money back.
It’s important to check the fare option and the terms and conditions before making a booking.
How comfortable are the seats on Air Arabia’s planes?
Air Arabia’s seats vary depending on the type of aircraft, but generally, the seats are comfortable with sufficient leg room.
The seats have a recline feature and a headrest.
Air Arabia is a low-cost airline, so some amenities, like entertainment on the back of the seat and more legroom, may not be available on all flights.
Does Air Arabia have in-flight entertainment options?
Air Arabia does offer in-flight entertainment options, but it varies depending on the type of aircraft.
Some of the aircraft have in-flight entertainment systems that include movies, TV shows, and music.
However, in-flight entertainment is not available on all flights. People can also use their own devices to get to the airline’s entertainment portal while they are in the air.
Does the airline serve meals on its flights?
Air Arabia does serve meals on its flights, however, it is not included in the fare.
You can purchase meals on board. The menu varies depending on the flight duration and destination.
Does the airline offer WiFi on its flights?
Air Arabia offers WiFi on select flights, but it is not available on all flights.
You can check the availability of WiFi on your flight by visiting the airline’s website or by contacting their customer service team.
Does the airline allow advance seat assignments?
Air Arabia does allow advance seat assignments, however, it is not included in the fare.
You can purchase seat assignments when booking your flight or later on through the airline’s website or mobile app.
Does the airline allow pets on its flights?
Air Arabia does allow pets on its flights, however, it is subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
Pets must be in a carrier that has been approved by the airline, and you must call the airline ahead of time to make arrangements.
Additional fees may apply.
How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?
Air Arabia staff are generally friendly and helpful.
They are trained to provide great customer service and ensure a comfortable journey for all passengers.
Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?
Air Arabia has special services for disabled travelers, like helping with wheelchairs and setting up seats in a different way.
Passengers can request these services at the time of booking or at check-in.
How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?
Booking a flight with Air Arabia is easy and convenient.
The airline’s website and mobile app allow customers to search for and book flights quickly and easily.
Customers can also book flights directly through the airline’s call center or through travel agencies.
What is the airline’s on-time performance record?
Air Arabia has a good record of on-time performance.
The airline does everything it can to make sure flights leave and arrive on time, but please keep in mind that flight times can change due to things like weather and air traffic control rules.
Does the airline have a good safety record?
Air Arabia has a good safety record and is committed to making sure that all of its passengers travel safely and in comfort.
The airline’s fleet of aircraft is maintained and operated to the highest industry standards and its pilots are highly trained and experienced.
Additionally, Air Arabia undergoes regular safety audits and evaluations by international regulatory bodies.
What is the airline’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?
Air Arabia’s policy for lost or damaged luggage is in line with international standards.
If your luggage is lost or damaged, you should file a report with the airline’s baggage service as soon as possible.
Air Arabia will do everything it can to find your bags and give them back to you as soon as possible.
If your luggage can’t be found, you may be able to get money to make up for the loss, depending on the airline’s rules.
How extensive is the airline’s route network?
Air Arabia operates flights to over 165 destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.
The airline’s route network continues to expand and new destinations are being added to the network regularly.
Because Air Arabia has a large number of routes, its customers can choose from many different ways to travel.
Does the airline have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?
Air Arabia has partnerships with several other airlines, including Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Qantas.
The airline also has partnerships with several hotel chains such as Rotana and Golden Tulip Hotels.
Because of these partnerships, Air Arabia can give its customers more ways to travel and the chance to earn and use frequent flyer miles or hotel points.
Final Thoughts
Air Arabia is a budget airline that offers affordable prices for flights.
Alternative airlines to consider are Emirates or flydubai as they both fly similar routes.
The airline has a good safety record and the staff were friendly and helpful during my flights.
The seats were comfortable, and the in-flight entertainment options were satisfactory. While the airline does not offer full meals on flights, the prices for snacks and drinks on board were reasonable.
Here’s an inside tour of Air Arabia’s A321 Neo.
Air Arabia’s policy for changing or canceling flights is fair and their route network is extensive.
The airline also offers good deals and discounts, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers.
The airline allows advance seat assignments and also allows pets on flights, which is great for pet owners.
The airline’s on-time performance record is good and their policy for lost or damaged luggage is fair.
The booking process was easy and the airline also offers special services for travelers with disabilities.
In general, I think that Air Arabia is a great option for passengers on a budget who are looking for a carrier that prioritizes their safety and comfort.