|
Malev Hungarian Airlines Nonstop To Budapest
 |
| At the Airport |
Reminiscent of the glory days of intercontinental air travel, my flight to Budapest with Malev, the Airline of Hungary stirred fond memories of the top quality First Class service once provided by trend setting airlines like TWA and Pan Am. Although they are now just a part of aviation history, it was a pleasure to travel once again with an airline that prides itself on providing fine service and the kind of superb personal attention that was once available thirty years ago, only in the First Class cabins of the best airlines!.
Malev features a modern Boeing 767ER extended-range wide-body aircraft on its nine-hour, nonstop premier route between New York and Budapest. The airline's Business Class cabin is comfortable with a two-by-two seating configuration and the in-flight personnel are phenomenal. The warm welcome and genuine attention started from the moment I boarded. A cheerful professional attitude prevailed throughout the flights.
 |
| Cheerful Professional Attitude |
The airline has a frequent flyer partnership with Northwest Airlines that allows members of World Perks to earn miles on Malev code-share flights. Daily flights operate nonstop from JFK and Toronto offering the most direct service from the USA and Canada to Budapest. Malev's hub operation at Budapest's Ferihegy Airport allows for speedy connections to all of Eastern Europe and Russia. The airport has a convenient new international terminal minus the transit crowds always found at major hubs like Frankfurt or Heathrow.
In-flight meal service was an elaborate affair with several courses and a fine selection of Hungarian wines. After some smoked salmon canapés, accompanied by a glass of Unicum, Hungary's most traditional aperitif, I enjoyed a delicious Goose liver pate starter, a fresh green salad followed by a satisfying main course of.
Shrimp and scallops in a lobster sauce. Other entrée selections included Filet Mignon, Poached Salmon, Grilled Veal or Braised Breast of Goose with a Hungarian style Lecso stew. A cheese and fruit course was followed with a Black Forest gateau, coffee, Tokaji Aszui dessert wine and chocolate truffles. And just incase you were still a bit peckish, ice cream was served as a mid-flight snack.
 |
| Wine Service on Board |
The wines served aloft were like a mini-Budapest wine festival. The Malev wine cellar included the famous Torley Sparkling wine, along with Gundal's Bull's Blood of Eger, a Villanyi Cabernet Sauvignon, an Egri Rose and of course the delightful Hilltop Virgin Vintage Chardonnay 2001 that is just recently available in the USA.
My overall impression of Malev Hungarian Airline's trans-Atlantic Business Class service is much the same as I feel about Hungary... a pleasure to be there and a desire to return to enjoy it again soon!
For more information about Malev Hungarian Airlines log onto their web site at www.malev.hu
|
|
