TRIP REPORT: Volotea, Split - Naples

TRIP REPORT

Written by Lazar Živanić

Airline: Volotea

Time and Date: 07:40 23.08.2024

Duration: 39min (50min officially)

Flight number: V71695

Airplane: Airbus A320-216 EC-NOS

After a short break in Dalmatia, it was time to return to Italy, where I am based, with a quick stop in Naples. Luckily, there was a reasonable deal with Volotea for €77, considering that I flew at the end of Ferragosto and purchased the ticket less than 10 days before the flight.

I arrived about an hour and a half before the flight. The airport was busy, but everything was going smoothly. I immediately got in line for security. All eight machines were operating, and it took only 10 minutes to pass through. They asked passengers to remove only liquids and electronic devices if there was more than one in the bag.

I love Split Airport for its brightness and open space, but unfortunately not for its amenities. There are only two kiosks/bars - South and North - one duty-free shop, and no vending machines. However, I understand that, at the end of the day, this airport barely operates outside the main season. I believe, though, that Split could have a year-round season; I remember beautiful Januarys with temperatures around 20 degrees. If there were more flights, it could attract visitors all year.

Back to my flight: I had a coffee at the South kiosk with a marvellous view over the bay. Around 7:00, I checked the display, and it showed a 20-minute delay for my flight and listed the gate number. The gate was on the opposite side of the terminal, but by the time I got there, they had changed it to one on the other side. That wasn’t all; on my way to the new gate, I checked the screen again, and they had changed the gate yet again within five minutes, with no announcements made at any point.

Around 7:40, boarding started, and it went quickly and smoothly since Split Airport has automatic gates where you simply scan your boarding pass. We walked to the airplane, which was full, but I was lucky to get seat 25D. There was enough legroom, and the seat could recline. There was no service due to the short flight duration. The captain made one announcement 20 minutes before landing, and we landed on time at 8:45.

Overall, it was an average experience for a low-cost airline. There was no welcome from a cabin crew member, but on the other hand, the seats were more comfortable, and there was ambient music during take-off and landing.