Montenegro has long been a favorite vacation spot of our compatriots. On the one hand, this country is so similar to a well-groomed and vibrant Europe, and on the other, it is perceived by many Russians as something close and dear. Tourists often tell how on some streets of small towns in Montenegro they got the impression of falling into the old and good Soviet times with all its inherent attributes. The combination of these factors with a luxurious sea coast turns Montenegrin resorts into the most popular holiday destinations.
Most tourists also appreciate the cheapness of trips to Montenegro, this was made possible thanks to low-cost flights organized by Montenegro Airlines. Reviews of its passengers contain a complete description of the air carrier.
Since this company is one of the youngest, most Russian travelers are unfamiliar with it. However, from the very first day of its existence, Montenegro Airlines (we will devote several sections of the article on flights with this carrier) has become the main airline of its country, representing Montenegro around the world. Today we will tell you about its history, fleet and other points that a passenger needs to know before buying a ticket for a flight. Reviews of Montenegro Airlines will allow readers to get an idea of the degree of reliability of this small company, which operates the lion's share of flights from Moscow to Montenegro.
Brief description of the carrier
Montenegro Airlines is a young but ambitious and dynamically developing company representing Montenegro in other countries. She is a national carrier and successfully copes with her duties, constantly replenishing the fleet and increasing the level of service on board.
Judging by the reviews, Montenegro Airlines only operates international flights. In Montenegro, flights are carried out from Podgorica and Tivat. In these cities there are two international airports, the distance between them does not exceed eighty kilometers. Tourists can take advantage of regular and charter flights, transportation is carried out by two types of aircraft. We will tell readers about them a little later.
Company History
It is noteworthy, but officially the air carrier was created even before the recognized state of Montenegro appeared on the map. According to papers, the company appeared in the distant ninety-fourth year of the last century, when Montenegro was still considered part of Yugoslavia. Therefore, its first flight Montenegro Airlines made only two years after the occurrence. After all, it was during this period that she was able to purchase her first airliner. A significant flight took place in Italy, at the end of the nineties of the twentieth century, the airline owned two far from new aircraft. However, as a result of the difficult situation in the Republic of Yugoslavia, accompanied by regular bombing, she was forced to temporarily suspend her activities.
Montenegro Airlines and Serbia also had some difficulties. The fact is that the company’s office was located there. But, having declared their independence, the Serbian authorities demanded that the air carrier leave the borders of their country and change the routes that previously went through its airspace. However, over time, relations still managed to be settled by opening a Serbian branch. This turned out to be the wisest decision that allowed the air company to regain the most profitable and sought-after routes.
Flight geography
Montenegro Airlines aircraft have mastered quite a few routes. Today they fly to almost all European countries and are firmly entrenched in the Asian region. The airline can offer its passengers flights to twenty-five countries on forty routes.
It should be noted that Montenegro Airlines has been nationalized for several years, however, some of the shares of the airline are owned by private investors. They strive to develop the company, which positively affects its ranking in their country and abroad. Experts say that over the past few years, thanks to the hard work of the company's management, its ratings have been steadily growing.
Achievements of the air enterprise
Montenegro Airlines is very popular and often a pioneer in the Balkan region. For example, the airline was the first to become a member of IATA. This prestigious organization is a kind of measure of the quality work of air carriers. Also, the pilots of the company by the year 2000 became the owners of IIIA certificates. Only employees of large air companies can boast of such documents. Moreover, in the Balkans, Montenegro Airlines is the only organization that works with pilots of such a high class.
For most tourists, it is very important that the flight is safe and that the departure time is not tolerated. If you also belong to this category of travelers, then it will be useful for you to find out that Montenegrin Airlines is considered one of the most punctual carriers. Eight years ago, the company was even awarded a special certificate confirming this honorary title.
Aircraft fleet
The Balkan air carrier owns a small fleet of aircraft, which slightly limits the geography of flights. Airliners are represented by two well-known models - the Fokker and Embraer 195. Montenegro Airlines reviews often contain descriptions of these aircraft and stories about their comfort level.
It is worth noting that the Fokkers became the first airliners of the company. Their average age exceeded twenty years; over time, the fleet of aircraft was replenished with Embraer aircraft. They allowed expanding the geography of flights and even mastering previously inaccessible long-distance routes.
All planes of the company are equipped with modern technical means that increase flight safety and prevent damage to navigation systems.
How to get a ticket for a Montenegro Airlines flight?
Despite the fact that the company is quite small, it has many representative offices around the world. Most of them are located in large European cities, one office is located in Moscow.
In all offices, passengers are free to purchase airline tickets to any available destination. You can pay in cash or by credit card.
The company also has its own website, which provides for the sale of tickets. However, keep in mind that in this case only one payment method is possible - by credit card. Otherwise, the payment will not be accepted, and you will not be able to receive a itinerary receipt to your email address.
Customer Loyalty Program
For those customers who often use the services of Montenegro Airlines, a special loyalty program has been introduced. Passengers using it receive an individual bill. Miles will be accumulated on it for already completed flights. Their number depends on the distance of the route and class of service. For example, YM 612 Montenegro Airlines flight passengers flying in economy and business class, despite the same flight duration, will still receive a different number of miles. Therefore, if you want to accumulate bonuses as much as possible, fly it in business class.
Miles can be spent on the purchase of tickets or various services on board and at the airport of departure.
Service and Facilities
Montenegro Airlines has a very interesting official website. It constantly updates information on discounts and sales, and you can also book transport and hotel rooms. Typically, airline sites are limited to company information, routes, and ticket sales. Therefore, Montenegro Airlines stands out from the total mass of air companies.
In all areas, the company offers two classes of service, a wide range of drinks and dishes.
Baggage Check-In Rules at Montenegro Airlines
Before flying, each passenger should familiarize themselves with the airline’s internal rules governing baggage transportation. According to them, every tourist can freely carry a bag weighing up to twenty kilograms. Business class passengers have the opportunity to increase this figure by another ten kilograms. Children under two years of age, occupying the same place with their parents on the plane, can hand over one bag to the luggage compartment of the airliner, the weight of which does not exceed ten kilograms and one stroller or cradle.
In the Montenegro Airlines rules, one piece of baggage weighing ten kilograms is considered as hand baggage. Moreover, the overall dimensions of the bag should fit into the established one hundred and fifteen centimeters.
If the norms are exceeded, the passenger must pay for their luggage at the rates declared by the carrier.
Montenegro Airlines: 2017 reviews
For many potential passengers, real reviews about the airline are very important. Today we look at the positive and negative points noted by our compatriots who used the services of Montenegro Airlines.
YM 611 - this is a fairly common flight with the Russians, its final point is the resort city of Tivat. Therefore, on various sites you can find a lot of comments about such flights. What do people traveling on Montenegrin Airlines like?
Very often, passengers note the cleanliness of airliners. It is always pleasant to be in them, and the convenience of the layout of the cabin allows you to turn the flight into a pleasant pastime. In many salons, there are two armchairs in a row. It is very impressive for people traveling in pairs. Of the most comfortable seats are those located next to the emergency exits.
The reviews also mention the punctuality of the company. Departure delays are rare and do not last longer than thirty minutes.
Stewardesses and stewards are polite, although they do not speak Russian. They are always ready to help their passengers and make their flight as comfortable as possible.
Tourists often note the professionalism of pilots. Thanks to them, even people suffering from aerophobia talk about the fact that they did not experience a single unpleasant sensation during the flight.
Negative company reviews
Among the minuses in the work of the air carrier, our compatriots often highlight poor nutrition. On this topic, the Internet has the most complaints. Typically, Montenegro Airlines provides a sandwich and one drink for lunch on its routes. Surprisingly, there is often no tea or coffee on board.
Mention passengers and problems with toilet paper in the sanitary rooms on board the company’s airliners. According to tourists, after thirty minutes of flight it is difficult to find even ordinary napkins on board.
Also among the minuses, the Russians include a weak level of service in the business class. Passengers do not have a separate check-in counter and enter the cabin with the rest of the travelers. Lunch for tourists of this category differs from the house-keeper only in serving, but not in the quality and variety of food.
Despite the noted disadvantages, travelers recommend Montenegro Airlines for flights to Montenegro.