George Nugent Travels

As part of my aim to visit every European country I had to make my way to Italy in order to visit San Marino and Vatican City. Therefore I decided to use Jet2.com to Rome as it was the closest city to the Vatican.

I had flown with Jet2 multiple times before this review, however, this would be my first time flying them since starting this website and since the pandemic.

So continue reading to find out what I thought about this flight and if I would recommend Jet2.

Flight Details

Date – 13/06/2022

Route – Glasgow -> Rome Fiumicino

Price – £51

Aircraft Type – Boeing 737-800

Seat – 3A

Airport Experience

This flight was scheduled to depart at 0730 so I arrived at Glasgow Airport at 0555. Despite a large number of holiday flights departing that morning the airport was well organised and running smoothly. I was through security in 18 minutes giving me plenty of time to relax before my flight. Naturally I grabbed something for breakfast and sat in the middle wing of the airport.

Gate information is normally only displayed within one hour of departure, however, I used flightradar24 to find what flight my aircraft had done the night before and crucially work out what gate it arrived at. Within 60 seconds I had my answer, gate 26, which also happens to be in the middle pier of the airport.

Boarding and Onboard Welcome

Boarding began approximately 40 minutes before departure and was organised by boarding group. Jet2 use letters A,B & C rather than numbers, and in my experience this is because they board group C first and work from the back of the aircraft towards the front.

However, this flight was different as group A was boarded first, then B and C together. Boarding was relatively well organised, although some passengers were queuing for the wrong flight (for context Jet2 had an Alicante flight boarding at the next gate).

Our aircraft was a 5 year old Boeing 737-800 that is one of 7 aircraft based at Glasgow with Jet2. As per all of my flights with them, the crew were waiting at the front door greeting every passenger who boarded the aircraft.

I quickly found my seat at the front of the aircraft and placed my backpack under my seat. Despite having a bag in front of me there was still enough legroom for me (i’m 6ft 3inch).

Within 20 minutes all 155 passengers were onboard, however, the pilot announced there would be a 20 minute delay because of Air Traffic Control Restrictions. This was communicated in a clear and professional manor by the crew who tried to get another slot for us to take off sooner.

In-Flight Experience

Shortly after take-off the cabin crew began prepping the inflight service. I should also say now that Jet2 were only offering a limited menu on this flight due to issues with their supplier.

Service started approximately 45 minutes into the flight as we approached London Heathrow, which we passed on the east side.

A tray table is available for all passengers to use and is a decent size. A small indent is available for placing a cup, however, Jet2 also provide a separate cup holder on the right hand side of the seat.

I did not purchase anything on this flight, however, I did interact with the crew whilst they were collecting rubbish. They were very friendly and were laughing and making conversation with everybody.

A full version of the Jet2 menu can be viewed here.

A duty free service is also normally offered on Jet2 flights, however, due to supplier issues this was not offered on this flight.

If you find yourself looking for something to do on the flight, Jet2 have a magazine available in the seat pocket. The “Jet Away” magazine has features about the destinations served by the airline, as well as a map showing where they fly from their ten UK bases.

One downside with the seat design actually revolves around the provided seat pocket. It is only big enough for a magazine which the airline provides. If you are looking for somewhere to store a book or your phone then you are out of luck. Therefore, I would recommend having a bag under the seat in front of you to keep everything you will need throughout the flight within easy reach.

Landing and Rome Fiumicino Airport Experience

Despite a delayed departure from Glasgow we landed into Rome 13 minutes early and after a short taxi we were on stand within a few minutes. We were able to exit the aircraft from the from left door via a covered walkway directly into the terminal building.

There were no queues in Passport Control and British travellers can use the e-gates at Fiumicino airport. Once you have cleared the gate an agent will quickly stamp your passport and you are free to proceed to baggage reclaim.

We decided to take the Leonardo Express into Roma Termini, the dedicated train to the city. The train station is located outside the main terminal building, across the street, but remember masks are compulsory until the end of September on Italian Public Transport and this was enforced by the staff onboard.

My Final Thoughts

Overall the service provided by Jet2 on this flight was excellent. A professional crew who can interact with passengers in a friendly manor is what I always experience with the airline and I was glad this flight was no different.

Although the catering was limited, the airline did clearly communicate this in advance, and Glasgow Airport had facilities available to buy something before flying. Furthermore, despite some claims in the media, the airport had no large queues and the staff were more than happy to help any passengers who required assistance.

I would say the price paid for this seat offered good value for money, and I would pay it again if I needed to get to Rome. Although this route is not operating during the peak season this summer it will resume in September and run throughout 2023.