Air Arabia- first impressions

I had my first flight with Air Arabia recently. Though ticket was booked with Etihad, one of the leg I opted for a flight operated by Air Arabia. Below are some key observations.

Air Arabia is a low cost airline. So like other LCCs, expect to pay for everything.

Because my ticket was booked on Etihad, I was entitled for 1 meal on Air Arabia flight. Air Arabia meal had good portion of rice and a curry, but nothing else. Only a bottle of water. Everything else, including coffee is for purchase.

Compared to Etihad, meals tray missed sweets, salad, bread etc. Plus Etihad gives blanket, pillow, no such option in Air Arabia.

Air Arabia has been in business for several years now- 20+ and operate a fairly vast network out of Sharjah, Abu Dabhi and few other hubs. Once in a while we might find good deals to Africa, Europe on Air Arabia from Calicut, Kochi or Mumbai.

Exit rows are chargeable, but there were no one there on our flight, so few passengers were asked to sit in exit row.

Air Arabia has a free inflight entertainment. We can watch movies etc on our mobile phone. However, movie collection is so old and poor, I closed it. No USB charging inside the plane.

Air Arabia inflight menu was good- they accept AED or USD or INR (at inflated rates). Lots of snacks, drinks and meals to chose from. Veg Biriyani was 25 AED, 1 small tender coconut water/ masala tea is 7 AED and so on.

Some items are priced 2.1 USD. This 0.1 USD will cause inconvenience. They could have kept it at 2 USD.

Air Arabia's PNR is also unique- 8 digit all numbers, unlike 6 alphanumeric PNRs used by other airlines.

Overall flight was on time, crew were nice and experience was fine. Air Arabia competes with FlyDubai, FlyNas and few other middle east budget carriers.

Summary: Good things: Nice planes, good food, reasonable price, fairly good network, inflight magazine, 10 KG cabin baggage and prices

Can be improved: content of inflight entertainment.

Note: there is Air Arabia sale going on. Return ticket to various destinations for under 24k!. Do not miss. I've booked few trips for 2025