Airline Review: Air Berlin (regional Economy)
As Air Berlin (AB) frequent flyers, we had the pleasure to fly several different types of aircrafts of the airline. The Bombardier Dash Q-400 is a very special one as it is the only turboprop airplane in the fleet. Also, it is operated by the Luftfahrtgesellschaft Walter (LGW) and not by Air Berlin crews. Many specials that unquestionably need to be reviewed.
Check out how we have rated Air Berlin!
In the last months, we had the pleasure to fly with Air Berlin in the Bombardier Dash Q-400 airplane many times. Due to that, we can review the airplane very good as we choose different seats on our experiences.
- Airplane: Bombardier Dash Q-400
- Cabin Class: Economy
- Daytime: Morning / Evening
- Food: Snack (Depending on the time of departure)
- Seat Pitch: 30 Inch (76 Centimeter)
- Seat Width: 17 Inch (43 Centimeter)
That’s especially important in the Dash Q-400 of Air Berlin. Depending on the seat you choose, the experience is completely different. That’s the case because noise is a problem in the turboprop airplane. Moreover, the seat pitch varies depending on your seat choice.
76 seats with a different feeling
Even though the Bombardier Dash Q-400 is one of the quietest (the “Q” stands for quiet) airplanes in its class, it’s yet not any quiet compared to jets.
The bulkhead row of the Dash Q-400 offers much legroom
On our first flight, we opted for bulkhead seats in row one. These offer the best seat pitch and are known to be the best seats in the airplane. Even though we liked the extra leg room, we opted for a seat in the back on our next flight with Air Berlin’s Dash Q-400.
Not the best seat pitch: Back row in the Dash Q-400 of Air Berlin
In our personal opinion, the noise is a smaller problem in the back of the plane while it is worse in the front and worst in the middle. The seat pitch on the standard seats of the Air Berlin turboprop is fairly limited, but not too bad either.
The seat width is nothing to write home about, yet the airplane is great when you are flying as a couple, as the configuration is 2-2.
Sweet or salty? Your choice when flying Air Berlin!
The Air Berlin Dash Q-400 is operating on short haul flights only. Due to that, the catering time on board is fairly limited.
Something sweet? Raisin roll in the morning!
With the flight time on most flights being lower than an hour, the basic catering options of Air Berlin are absolutely sufficient. You may choose as many non-alcoholic beverages (including hot drinks) as you wish.
The salty choice: Chips in the evening
Moreover, you are offered a choice of a sweet or salty snack. In the morning, you either get a raisin roll or a pretzel rod. After 10 am, you may choose a chocolate bar or crackers at the moment (the afternoon catering is varying).
Christmas edition: Gingerbread and unlimited softdrinks
The snacks you get in the morning are usually served hot making them very tasty. Afternoon snacks are provided by quality brands, making them very good as well.
Okay for regional flights
Another point worth mentioning in this airline review is the service. This one is worse than when flying with Air Berlin’s main crews.
An inflight magazine is provided free of charge
However, there were good exceptions. All in all, the Air Berlin Dash Q-400 is recommendable for short flights. Yet, there are some things that need improvement. The toilet facilities are very small and don’t even have running water.
The restrooms of the Air Berlin Dash Q-400 don’t have running water
Moreover, the level of service on the LGW operated turboprop airplanes is varying way too much. Due to that, we’d recommend to decide to fly with an Air Berlin Boeing 737-800 or one of the Airbus airplanes if you got the choice!
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You want to read more flight reviews? Check out our other posts!
excellent information, really detailed. thanks a lot.
Thanks! 🙂
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Great review and useful photos, just what I was looking for (hard to find reviews for this particular plane)
Thank you very much 🙂