A Complete Tour of Air Serbia's A330: Business and Economy
On June 23, 2016, Air Serbia launched nonstop service from New York (JFK) to Belgrade, Serbia (BEG) on its retrofitted Airbus A330-200. Since Air Serbia primarily operates short-haul flights, it recently leased the aircraft from Jet Airways, with help from its new partner, Etihad Airways.
Although Etihad isn't always the easiest airline to reserve award seats with, as of this writing, availability for this particular route seems to be widely available.
Here's the schedule for the 5x weekly route — the schedule changes on some days to minimize connection times:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday:
- JU501 New York (JFK) 2:40pm Departure ⇒ Belgrade (BEG) 5:30am (+1) Arrival
- JU500 Belgrade (BEG) 7:30am Departure ⇒ New York (JFK) 12:00pm Arrival
- Friday, Saturday:
- JU501 New York (JFK) 7:30pm Departure ⇒ Belgrade (BEG) 10:20am (+1) Arrival
- JU500 Belgrade (BEG) 12:55pm Departure ⇒ New York (JFK) 5:25pm Arrival
The airline's two-cabin aircraft offers a 2-4-2 economy class configuration, and an all-aisle access business-class cabin. Wi-Fi is available throughout the flight starting at €4.90 (~$6) for 30 minutes.
Without a doubt, flying in the forward cabin is more enjoyable, but both cabins provide a comfortable ride overall. Join me for a tour of Air Serbia's aircraft for a closer look at what it's like to cross the pond on this A330-200.
2-4-2 Economy
We'll start by turning right once you walk through door 2L toward the rear of the plane. Immediately after boarding, you'll be greeted by various flight crew members and showed to your seat. The aircraft offers a total of 236 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration in two sections, with 17 and 14 rows, respectively.
You'll immediately notice that the main cabin has more of an open feeling, which helps it to not feel as cramped.
Unfortunately Air Serbia doesn't offer any "premium" or "extra leg room" seats, as many other domestic and international airlines will, aside from a few bulkhead and emergency row seats, which are generally blocked off during the booking process — you'll need to speak to an agent at check-in in order to snag one of those.
A major advantage of flying aboard an Airbus 330-200 is that the 2-4-2 configuration only features two seats on each side instead of the usual three, which would require someone to always be stuck in the middle seat.
A side view of the cabin perfectly set up before boarding shows how the crew has diligently set everything up. Each seat comes with a pillow and a blanket as well.
Legroom seemed to be quite conformable and there's just enough room if you want to stretch out a bit. The only bad thing is the entertainment system box is located directly underneath the seat and does get in the way.
Seats in rows 7, 8, 25 and 26 all offer a ton of extra space to stretch out since these are either bulkhead or emergency row seats. Since there's no extra charge to be seated in one of these special rows, it's worth speaking to a representative at check-in and asking to sit here.
Another nice feature: you can unwind with a wide range of Hollywood, Serbian and international films and TV programs on your very own in-flight entertainment screen.
In all 254 seats on the aircraft, you'll find Air Serbia's signature user-friendly IFE remotes, which allow you to control your TV, lighting and call button. It can also be used as a keyboard to message people and play games on the flip side.
Business Class
Toward the front of the plane, you'll find one business-class cabin, which sports 18 lie-flat seats.
Once you enter your suite, you'll notice a menu, blanket, pillow and amenity kit already at the seat. During the course of the flight (in either direction), you'll have the option of a main meal upon take-off as well as a choice of hot snacks throughout the duration of the flight.
Although it's a bit noisy when the seat is in motion, you can pretty much transform it into just about any angle you desire. A "do not disturb" option (DND) lets flight attendants know you wish to be left alone, although the crew never seemed to be too hands-on anyway.
In the front cabin, the IFE offers many similar options as in economy, although a wider choice of entertainment can be found on the much larger, slide-out screen.
Immediately upon take-off, you can ask the cabin crew to make up your bed — you'll even get an extra mattress pad to make everything nice and cozy.
Bottom Line
Air Serbia offers incredible service, along with a spacious aircraft with two cabins to choose from. Fares in the economy cabin start at about $499 round-trip or 89,940 Etihad miles plus $86 in taxes and fees, while fares for those excellent lie-flat seats begin at $3,199 or 128,164 Etihad miles plus $86 in taxes and fees. Stay tuned for a full review of Air Serbia's business-class experience on the A330-200, coming soon to TPG.
Have you flown in Air Serbia's newly retrofitted A330-200?
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.