CONDOR AIRLINE IS TAKING THE LEAD AMONG EUROPEANS' LEISURE CARRIERS...
Condor—who since the 1991 was a wholly owned charter subsidiary of Lufthansa—pioneered business class service on tourist flights. Originally offering only increased seating comfort and higher quality in-flight service, Condor’s ‘Comfort Class’ has evolved into a full business-oriented product.
Since 2009, Condor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook - one of the world's leasure companies. What was very appealing to me is the fact that in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) in December 2012, Condor came out first and was the only airline to be awarded the seal “very good”.
Since 2009, Condor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook - one of the world's leasure companies. What was very appealing to me is the fact that in a customer satisfaction survey conducted by the German Institute for Service Quality (DISQ) in December 2012, Condor came out first and was the only airline to be awarded the seal “very good”.
With its seasonal (northern summer), thrice-weekly service from Calgary to Frankfurt, Condor offers various destination links between Canada and Europe—also, from Calgary:-)
This year, I decided to book my flight to Poland via Frankfurt through Condor Airline. Offering three different services: Economy, Premium Economy and Comfort Class (which has evolved into a full business-oriented product), I had a pleasure to try their top class.
Since the very beginning my journey with the airline was very pleasant - there are separate check-in stations for each class type. I had to admit that the line-up for Economy class was quite long, so I was lucky to be able to drop off my luggages right beside-with no waiting time.
Boarding started with inviting passengers on wheelchairs as well as families with small children, follow up with Comfort Class passengers, Premium Economy and finally - all other travellers who had to pass through the forward cabin to reach their seats towards the back of the plane.
There are 24 seats available in Comfort Class, in a six-abreast layout (2+2+2). Condor has recently upgraded its forward cabin seats, and these have a pitch of 49in (1.25m). The seats proved comfortable throughout longer flight and the fact that all seat functions have to be operated manually was no detraction.
A wardrobe service was offered upon entering the cabin, together with a welcome drink - of course my favourite glass of champagne.
Right after departure, flight-attendant offered English- and German-language newspapers and magazines, earphones and menu cards - so I have enough time to decide, and to be quite honest-the selection was quite impressive. Hot towels were offered before dinner.
The meal service started with different kind of appetizers followed up with a choice of three main courses: roasted tenderloin of beef with rosemary jus, carrots, fine green beans and "Panaderas" potatoes; salmon filet with sauce Creole, leaf spinach and Mississippi-rice or their vegetarian speciality - ravioli stuffed with Ricotta cheese combined with white wine sauce and sundried tomato slices. As a side dishes - there was vide selection of bread, assorted cheese and finally - dessert ( unfortunately, I had to skip that part) made of fruit mousse tartlet with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. On the top of that, Condor offers quite impressive wine selection (including one of my favourites - Anura 2011 - Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon, Limited Release).
For entertainment, two feature movies, plus several features, were shown on the monitors,with addition of different radio channels ( also with classical vibes that helps me falling asleep).
Ninety minutes before landing more hot towels were distributed, followed by a substantial breakfast:fresh sliced fruits; genoa salami, smoked turkey breast, roast beef and camembert; cheese omelet; fruit joghurt; selection of bread with butter/jam/honey and of course-morning coffee/tea.
I have to mention that during my flight - I received 100% attention from flight-attendants who were asking every once in a while if I had everything I needed.
Although I really wanted to highlight the highest class - I would like to share with you my opinion about Premium Economy Class (the middle class-right after Economy one).
It is quite rare to find such choices while flying with different airlines. The main difference between the first two classes-is seat's size as well as the menu.
Everyone who chooses Premium Economy Class receives menu with food description at the beginning of the flight. The menu doesn't give options to choose (I mean variety for the main course), however there is variety of different kind of food for everyone.
Comparing my previous trips using different airlines - Condor is definitely in my "top 3" choices. The flight was very pleasant experience with high-quality service. Bearing in mind the modest fare (average of $1400 CAD for return flight in Economy Class), Condor’s Comfort Class offers very good value. I would highly recommend it to everyone who either flies frequently or is looking for a memorable journey..
For more information about destinations and rates - visit Condor Airline website at
My personal "Thank You" note to Condor Corporate Communications Team in Frankfurt, their Representatives in Calgary as well as "in-flight" crew for making my flight a very enjoyable trip!
