Air Serbia commenced long-haul operations from Belgrade to New York about 12 months ago. I wanted to sample their economy class product so I booked a flight from Zagreb to Belgrade and then onto New York JFK.
ZAGREB TO BELGRADE
A quick short hop of about one hour, so I wasn’t expecting much here at all. I’m glad my expectations were set quite low. On offer on this short flight, a bottle of water and a very stale and tasteless plain bread roll.
BELGRADE TO NEW YORK
The inflight service commenced with printed menus distributed in economy class and I was impressed with the offer of three different meals. The meal choices for this 8 am departure were:
- Cheese Pie
- Scrambled Eggs
- Omelette
I asked for the omelette, but the cabin crew member gave me the scrambled eggs. It didn’t bother me, and I didn’t want to ask her to change it as she seemed busy.
My first impression of my meal was that it seemed quite small, not only the tray size but the quantity of food. It was a very average meal, the eggs were overcooked and tasted rubbery.
Within a few hours, I was already hungry again; the only options were biscuits or crisps. I saw the cabin crew pass through the cabin, perhaps twice with water during the 4-5 hour break between meals.
About 1.5 hours before landing the cabin crew commenced the second meal service, the meal was a bread roll filled with chicken and cheese. Although tastier than the first meal, it was disappointing to receive such little food for the second meal service, considering the length of the flight.
I’m not sure if I would fly Air Serbia again, there is potential to improve the catering in economy class. The crew are competent and trained well; however, the lack of food and Serbian inspired dishes can possibly be improved.