Bulgaria Ski discussion board

Balken Hols Advice

Hi all,
I hav just done an on line quote 4 next yr wi Balken and must admit I think it is a good price. £1670 for the 4 of us inc ski packs for Boro HB in Jan 10.
I am concerned about Balken, I hear reports on here about poor Customer service, flight alterations etc.
The flight is from East Midlands,
1) historically is this flight subject to change?
2) would you book again wi Balken?
Pete

re: Balken Hols Advice

Pete

I use Balkan and have never had any major problems, although I fly from Gatwick.

As they are a BG company, they get preferrential treatment, especially if there are problems with the airports.

re: Balken Hols Advice

Hiya Pete

That seems like a really good price for you!

We've flown with Balkan everytime we've gone to Bulgaria. Not flown from East Midlands only Humberside & Manchester so can't comment on that but I'd certainly use them again.

Speak to you soon

Gill

re: Balken Hols Advice

I have used Balkan before to go to Pamporovo from Humberside flying into Plovdiv. We did have our flight diverted to Manchester on the way home but turn around time was very quick. We are probably going to choose them again for our 2010 holiday as they are cheaper and offer a good service. Ski carriage and ski packs are very good value.

Hope this helps.

Fiona

re: Balken Hols Advice

I would prefer the manchester flight, but this on a sunday! is this a first, am confused as the ski school usually run sat-sat.

re: Balken Hols Advice

They also run ski school Sunday to Sunday so don't worry. Gatwick usually runs a Sunday to Sunday holiday too, which is a pain as we prefer Sat to Sat so the boys only miss one football match

If the Manchester flight is your preference go for it, quite often the Sun to Sun ski school is quieter and smaller groups.

re: Balken Hols Advice

Hi Pete

We've always gone on Sundays, mainly cos of Bill's shifts but its great,you get ski school Mon - Sat & on a Saturday its really quiet cos everyones going home, no probs whatsoever!!

re: Balken Hols Advice

missus is a worried flyer, wot do the planes look like, modern or old bangers!
Thanks 4 the advise so far! tis lookin good

re: Balken Hols Advice

The planes are usually 737's around 3/4 years old. Tell your wife not to worry, they work fine and the pilots are excellent.

re: Balken Hols Advice

Correction..sorry. The aircraft are Airbus A320's. A very good aircraft that can also be used (temporarily) as an inland watercraft!! Warning!! This has only been attempted in the US and I wouldn't recommend it in the English channel!! Last week we had a British 1st officer on Balkan. Have always found them to be good.