Airline Review: Niki (regional Economy)

Even though Niki (HG) is mentioned as a low-cost carrier at times, the airline does a fairly well job in my opinion. There were few airline reviews that I was looking forward to writing like this one. With good catering, a nice little airplane and very good staff, Niki made our “ride” very comfortable. A funny note: We like Niki more than its way bigger sister Air Berlin.

Check out our rating for Niki (regional Economy)!

When flying from Vienna to Berlin, we expected to get another Air Berlin jet as we booked via the airline itself. Lucky as we are, we had the pleasure to fly with Air Berlin’s subsidiary Niki instead.

• Airplane: Embraer 190
• Cabin Class: Economy
• Daytime: Evening
• Food: Snack (Sandwich)
• Seat Pitch: 30 Inch (76 Centimeter)
• Seat Width: 18 Inch (46 Centimeter)

The Austrian airline, named after the famous Formula 1 pilot Niki Lauda, is way smaller than Air Berlin and only operates some dozen routes from Austrian airports. Yet, we really liked the board product that was slightly better than the Air Berlin one.

Good looking leather seats

This airline review features the Embraer 190 jet that is still operated by Niki at this point.

In my opinion, it pretty much looks like a private jet as the Embraer 190 is a small airplane with a 2-2 arrangement. The leather seats that are grey look very stylish and make you feel like flying Business Class (especially when seated in the front row).

Yet, you’ll see the difference to a private jet when it comes to the seat pitch which is fairly small with just 30 Inch (76 Centimeter). The seat width is okay, but nothing special at all. However, the seats are comfortable and clean.

Tasty sandwich and free drinks

Even though mentioned as a low-cost carrier at times, I have to admit that Niki is anything but that in my opinion.

The catering consists of a free sandwich (ham or cheese) and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Considering the short flight time, this type of catering was very good for Economy Class.

In my opinion, it was even better than the catering of Luxair (minus the champagne). Something I also need to stress in this airline review is the fact that you are able to choose as many drinks as you want (regardless of your frequent traveler status).

Solid entertainment with newspapers

Entertainment is a point that is of little importance on regional flights. Most passengers either bring a book, a laptop, a tablet or just don’t need any entertainment.

Yet, it is good to know that Niki offers a very solid entertainment on board. When boarding, you have the chance to choose one of many national and at times also a few international newspapers (something Air Berlin does not offer on non-domestic flights).

Also, you may check out one of the entertainment channels that you can use with your own headphones.

Great value for the money when flying Niki

I’m nobody who expects much of a regional flight. Due to that, the experience onboard the Niki Embraer 190 was a very pleasant one. Solid seating, a good entertainment and very tasty food. Moreover, all flight attendants did not only act professional, but were very friendly.

Considering that the prices of Niki usually are well below the ones of the competitor Austrian Airlines, I’d definitely recommend flying with Niki if you got the chance to!

Book your Niki flight now:

• Expedia
• OneTravel

 

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