TRAVEL TEST
WHAT: Airlink flight 4Z131, E70-Embraer 170, in an economy seat.
WHERE: From Johannesburg, South Africa, to Jamestown, Saint Helena, from £384 one way; flyairlink.com. EXPERIENCE: Airlink previously flew to Napoleon’s place of exile on a Saturday, but has added this midweek flight to its schedule.
The 6hrs 30mins flight is something of an adventure, with a stopover on the outbound leg to refuel at Walvis Bay International Airport – a small hub in the middle of the Namibian desert!
The 74-passenger plane has six business class seats, the rest economy and in a 2-2 configuration, with plenty of space for both your legs and an underseat bag.
The economy seats don’t recline but were comfortable enough for a good nap after an early trip to the airport for the 9am departure.
Prior to the plane being refuelled, drinks are served – wine, beer, tea, juice and water – followed by sandwiches.
In the second half of the flight another round of drinks and a meal are served, with either a chicken or beef salad plus a chocolate cake and crisps.
On the return leg – which does not stop to refuel, cutting the flight time to 4hrs 20mins – there are again two drink services plus a meal. I had the beef pastrami and pasta salad, which came with crisps and a chocolate truffle.
Flying into Saint Helena is an experience in itself with the dramatic scenery and a sheer drop at the end of the runway! QUIBBLES: There are no power points for charging and no in-flight entertainment. VERDICT: The flight felt like it went by quickly enough and was well served with refreshments for the duration. ★★★★✩