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Santorini to Athens: Volutea or Sky Express reviews?

I have been debating on whether I should ferry or fly after getting some feedback on my ferry question I posted earlier.

There are horror stories on both sides:

Ferry: speed jets-too much motion sickness, scenery is over rated, & the ratio of arrival time.

Air: the recent May reviews (especially Volutea) are shocking!!! They all were claiming the service was horrible prior to boarding. Lots of luggage issues, canceled flights, etc…. But the plus is it’s only 1 hr.

I understand that there will always be variables when traveling but I was hoping some returners from there can share there experiences with one of those choices.

Also I’m using Aegean airlines for Istanbul to Chania, if anyone would like to share there experience with Aegean I’m all ears!
Thanks

Posted by
1736 posts

Check the details of the flights with Volotea because since last year Volotea and Aegean have a codeshare agreement. So sometimes a Volotea flight can be provided by an Aegean aircraft.
I took an Aegean flight from Athens last month with an Aegean ticket and there were passengers with Volotea tickets.

Since mid-April, Volotea employees (ground and aircrew) have been organizing strikes. These strikes lead to a lot of flight delays or cancellations.
Volotea has reduced staff salaries by 25% and, according to the statements of the pilots, is forcing flight personnel to work overtime above the legal working time (among other things).
I don't know what the current status is but that probably explains some of the recent negative comments

That said, I prefer Sky Express and even more Aegean Airline.

You should always take the rankings with a grain of salt, but Aegean is frequently ranked among the best European airlines (and sometimes even the best) in terms of punctuality and services.
personally, I have lost count of the flights I have made with Aegean without any problem.

Both times I flew to Greece with Volotea there were delay issues. Once because a pilot was missing (!) and another because of a wheelchair that didn't fit in the hold

I haven't had problems with Sky Expres but I've only flown with them 2 times

Posted by
149 posts

JoLui 🙏🏻Thank you for your comments.

I agree with you Aegean seems more reliable. I have a booking coming up: Istanbul to Chania. I’m only worried about my luggage weight. I’m expecting to pay extra.

Posted by
1736 posts

About the weight of luggages, I always have a small electronic luggage scale with me when I'm traveling. It's cheap, It allows me to check the weight before I fly.

With Aegean you can buy extra luggage online before you go, it will cost you less than if you have to pay for it at check-in

Posted by
149 posts

JoLui hehe 😂I saw that option while I was booking my ticket. I also read that note about it being cheaper than buying it at the counter. But my trip is in Sept. & I have no idea how much my luggage will weigh…I haven’t packet yet.

I’m pretty sure I’m in denial that I’m gonna get charged. I have this fantasy that they will treat me like Ryan Air & just allow me to board with my carry on. I don’t even think they weighed my carry on? Also I have embraced Schopenhauer’s metaphysics that if I think my luggage will be light enough it eventually will be. 🤞🏼

Once I’ve packed maybe I should go to the website & see if I can edit my luggage weight? And prepay before my flight?

Posted by
1736 posts

Once I’ve packed maybe I should go to the website & see if I can edit
my luggage weight? And prepay before my flight?

You can also download the Aegean app on your smartphone with which you can check in, manage your reservation, add luggage, etc.