TRIP REPORT: Air Serbia, Belgrade - Frankfurt
Trip taken: September 2021
Scheduled flight time: 2 hours 5 minutes
It took more than 20 months for me to get back to flying - the flight from Belgrade to Frankfurt was my first since the pandemic. Apart from being very cautious about the potential Covid administrative obstacles for entering Germany, the preparations for the flight resembled the previous era, expect for one key detail. Although Air Serbia did send the reminder for the flight via email, calling the passengers to check-in online, it turned out that Serbian citizens could not complete the process on the website. Only the bearers of a German passport were allowed to complete the procedure for the flight to Germany, while all others would have had to go through the detailed inspection of Covid certificates at the airport.
Having arrived at Nikola Tesla Airport well ahead of schedule, I had enough time for the ground procedure that is not too different to what could be seen before the pandemic.
The first check of Covid certificate is performed at the start of the check-in queue, only passengers with appropriate Covid and German registration documents could continue.
Air Serbia check-in counter was not crowded
The highly appreciated self-check-in was not an option
Moving through passport control, where Covid documents are not required when departing from Belgrade, I have discovered that the departures hall has been almost totally overhauled.
During renovation, some signs at Belgrade Airport are temporary
Boarding was completed ahead of schedule and about a half of the seats on YU-APE were occupied. Most of the passengers were seated in the front rows, so the fact that I was given a window seat (that I asked for during the check-in) in the last row was also an opportunity take all three seats.
With just a few minutes after the scheduled departure time, the Airbus A319-100 left Belgrade and we had a very smooth and pleasant flight to Frankfurt.
The only free option on board in Air Serbia is a tiny bottle of water and branded version of the locally produced potato chips. Afterwards, the cabin crew was very busy selling sandwiches and beverages from the paid menu
The arrival at Frankfurt Airport was ahead of schedule, with the disembarkation being very smooth and quick. Passport and Covid certificate control were also very efficient as the flight from Belgrade was obviously the only flight at that terminal at that time.
The arrivals hall at Frankfurt Airport Terminal B was almost deserted - only a few flights were arriving at one of the busiest European airports in the pre-pandemic era. Quick delivery of luggage and empty airport shuttle were the last positive aspects of what was to me a very successful return to flying.
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