Air Seychelles – An Honest, In‑Depth Review (“Fly the Creole Spirit”)

Air Seychelles – An Honest, In‑Depth Review (“Fly the Creole Spirit”)

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1. Booking & Website/App Experience

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Air Seychelles’ online booking platform is clean and navigable, offering seat selection and fare comparisons. However, reviews note occasional confusion around fare rules and baggage allowances. Customer service at booking can also be hit-or-miss.

Positives:

• Easy online booking, transparent seat selection.
• Mobile-friendly interface.

Negatives:

• Some users report lack of clarity on baggage rules.
• Limited support responsiveness when fare changes occur.

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2. Check‑in Process

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
The check‑in experience varies widely. Online check-in is available but often requires queuing at the airport. Some travelers cite long delays, especially for group or connecting flights .

Positives:

• Online option exists.

Negatives:

• Check-in counters sometimes understaffed; queues reported.
• Delays and document verification frustrations cited

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3. Airport Experience

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Operating from Seychelles International Airport, a well-equipped hub, passengers enjoy fast immigration and clean terminals. For domestic Praslin hops, boarding via small hall is efficient .

Positives:

• Smooth immigration and baggage claim.
• A/C lounges, kiosks, free Wi‑Fi.

Negatives:

• Domestic departures can become hot due to terminal layout.

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4. Flight Punctuality

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Many flights, especially regional, operate on schedule. A recent Facebook comment confirmed everything was “on time” with excellent service . Yet delays due to cargo or operational issues have occurred .

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5. In‑flight Comfort & Cleanliness

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
All cabins are clean and well-maintained. A320neo and twin‑otter interiors feature bright, Creole‑themed designs. Business class on A330 boasts full‑flat beds and spacious seating.

Positives:

• Tidy cabins, mood lighting, USB power, good legroom.
• Retrofit A320neo and A330 provide modern feel.

Negatives:

• Some turboprop heat issues on short-hops.
• No individual AVOD screens in Economy; PTV only in Business.

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6. In‑flight Services (Meals & Crew)

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Crews exhibit “beautiful smiles” and warm service. Business class offers champagne, rum, beer, à la carte dining, and amenity kits, reflecting Etihad partnership.

Positives:

• Warm, attentive cabin staff.
• Good Business class catering and drink options.
• Local Seychellois touches (Takamaka rum).

Negatives:

• Economy catering is basic; multiple guests report limited variety.

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7. Baggage Handling

Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Baggage reliability is uneven. Skytrax commentary shows delays and lost luggage. Praslin flights included 23 kg checked allowance, but carry-on restrictions apply.

Positives:

• Domestic allowance includes 23 kg checked.

Negatives:

• Delayed or missing baggage reported.
• Inconsistent carry-on enforcement.

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8. Value for Money

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
While flights to Praslin (~$150 return) are good value compared to ferries, long-haul and international fares with added baggage and seat fees can reduce cost-effectiveness.

Positives:

• Fair pricing for short regional flights.
• Strong service amenities included.

Negatives:

• Add‑ons increase final fare.
• Occasional passenger complaints about poor customer support.

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9. Overall Experience

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.7/5)
Air Seychelles offers clean, friendly, culturally rich travel with good punctuality and cabin comfort—especially in Business. However, shortcomings in service consistency, baggage handling, and check-in reduce the overall score.

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Summary Table

Aspect	Rating	Highlights & Concerns
Booking & Website/App	★★★☆☆	Easy booking; baggage/fare clarity issues
Check-in Process	★★☆☆☆	Online check-in works; airport queues frequent
Airport Experience	★★★★☆	Smooth immigration; small terminal limitations
Punctuality	★★★★☆	Mostly on-time; some delays reported
Comfort & Cleanliness	★★★★☆	Crisp cabin interior; no AVOD in Economy
In‑flight Service	★★★★☆	Warm crews; strong Business catering
Baggage Handling	★★☆☆☆	Occasional delays/losses; inconsistent policy
Value for Money	★★★☆☆	Good regional value; hidden fees
Overall Experience	★★★½☆	Culture-rich but needs consistency

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Final Verdict

Air Seychelles captures the Creole Spirit through vibrant cabins, friendly service, and locally inspired amenities. It delivers solid comfort and a stable schedule on short-hauls, and a premium Business experience with full-flat seats and personalized service.

However, for a reliable full journey, it’s essential to heed baggage restrictions and brace for possible check‑in delays or inconsistent support. The national carrier thrives on cultural charm and cabin elegance, yet still must tighten operational consistency.

Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.7/5)

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