Introduction

Hello everyone, I'm writing this review after flying with Red Wings airline four times, with my last two trips being to Batumi, Georgia, and back to Moscow, Domodedovo. I'll provide a detailed account of my experience and share my opinion about this airline, which is often criticized by others.

I booked my ticket 1.5 months in advance for a one-way flight to Batumi and a return flight to Moscow. The cost of the one-way ticket was 8,000 rubles, while the return ticket cost around 30,000 rubles. I had previously flown with them to Kazan without any issues.

Approximately three weeks before my departure, the price for the one-way ticket dropped to 7,000 rubles, while the return ticket cost around 36,000 rubles. I recommend booking tickets 45-60 days in advance to get the best price.

Booking and Check-in

I booked my tickets on the official website, which is faster, more reliable, and even cheaper than booking through a travel agency or a third-party website. However, if there's a discount or cashback offer on a third-party website, it's worth considering.

I chose my seat for the one-way flight, which cost 600 rubles for a window seat near the front of the plane (seat 6A on the Sukhoi Superjet 100). For the return flight, I got a free seat in the middle section (seat 13F on the Tupolev 214).

I highly recommend online check-in, even if you need to check in your luggage. This way, you can avoid overbooking, which is a common issue in Russia.

Flight Cancellation and Delays

Unfortunately, my one-way flight was cancelled 20 days before my departure, and I was rebooked on a later flight. I had to re-purchase my meal options and choose a new seat. Fortunately, the airline refunded my money.

I was anxious about the flight, especially since it was delayed by three hours. However, I managed to reduce the risk of further delays by choosing a daytime or evening flight, as these tend to have fewer delays.

Flight Experience

On the day of my flight, I arrived at the airport feeling anxious. However, the check-in process was smooth, and the staff were friendly. The baggage check was thorough, and I was pleased to see that they weighed my luggage and checked my hand luggage.

I boarded the plane quickly and found my seat comfortable, despite being a larger passenger. The flight attendants were friendly and attentive, and the flight was smooth.

During the flight, I was served a salad, muesli, a sweet tea, and a strawberry cake. The salad was delicious, and the cake was a nice touch. However, the muesli was a bit too sweet for my taste.

The return flight was similar, with a few minor issues. The check-in process was smooth, but the staff didn't weigh my hand luggage. I was pleased to see that they had a variety of food options, including a chocolate cake and a drink of my choice.

Conclusion

Overall, I was pleased with my experience with Red Wings airline. While there were some issues with flight cancellations and delays, the airline did a great job of minimizing the impact of these issues. The staff were friendly, and the planes were clean and well-maintained.

Editor's Summary

Red Wings airline offers a unique experience, with friendly staff, clean planes, and a variety of food options. However, flight cancellations and delays are common, and the airline's punctuality is a concern. Despite this, the airline's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a good choice for travelers.

Featured FAQ

What is the best time to book a ticket with Red Wings airline?It's recommended to book tickets 45-60 days in advance to get the best price.

Can I choose my seat on a Red Wings flight?Yes, you can choose your seat on the official website or through a travel agency.

What happens if my flight is cancelled?If your flight is cancelled, you'll be rebooked on a later flight, and the airline will refund your money.

Can I purchase food on a Red Wings flight?Yes, you can purchase food on the flight, including a variety of snacks and meals.

Are Red Wings flights delayed frequently?Unfortunately, yes, flight delays are common with Red Wings airline.

Can I get a refund if my flight is delayed?Yes, you can get a refund if your flight is delayed, but you'll need to contact the airline's customer service department.

Specifications

Plane TypeSukhoi Superjet 100Seat Width18 inchesSeat Pitch30 inchesBaggage Allowance20 kg