THE FLIGHT: Estonian Air flight OV0102, departing London Gatwick at 18.00 for Tallinn, Estonia. B737-300 with a 142-seat configuration.
THE CHECK-IN: Very speedy, with the unoccupied Business Class check-in staff member inviting us to use the facility, even though we held Flexeconomy tickets.
THE LOUNGE: None at LGW, but a small lounge is available at Tallinn with a good selection of drinks (including self-serve, on-tap lager) and snacks, plus newspapers.
THE BOARDING PROCESS: Boarding was quick and painless in spite of having a fairly full aircraft.
THE SEAT: Quite roomy with an adjacent empty middle seat. This was just good fortune as an empty middle seat is guaranteed only for Business Class passengers. The seats themselves are identical in the two cabins.
THE SERVICE/ENTERTAINMENT: A hot towel was brought round as soon as the seat belt sign was switched off. All Business and Flexeconomy passengers were served a three-course meal plus cheese. There was a choice of drinks including good wine and the offer of a Cognac with coffee. Service was friendly and attentive. No entertainment except for a good inflight magazine. This and the meal were more than enough for a 2.5 hour flight. Economy class passengers are offered paid-for food selections.
THE arrival: Pretty typical of all the advantages of flying to/from a small airport. Passport control, baggage collection and customs completed in about ten minutes. The subsequent journey to the centre of Tallinn is no more than ten minutes.
THE VERDICT: An excellent short haul flight with every element as good as it needs to be on such a short journey.
THE DETAILS: Estonian Air flies six times a week (not Saturday) from London Gatwick, departing at 18.00 and arriving in Tallinn at 22.55. There’s an additional 09.30 flight each Thursday and Saturday, and a 19.30 each Sunday. Return flights operate at 16.15 Sunday to Friday with an additional Thursday and Saturday departure at 07.45, and a Sunday flight at 17.45. Tel: 020 7333 0196 or visit www.estonian-air.com for more information. Estonian Air serves another 21 destinations around Europe. Alan Orbell
