TRAVEL | Air Serbia operates direct flights six days a week between Belgrade and Thessaloniki. Several different planes are used on this route. This article refers to Air Serbia’s Airbus A319 (“A319”). Travellers can choose between Economy and Business class. The average flight time on this route is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Check In
Check in can be done online. You can enter in all relevant passport and visa information before your flight, and receive an online boarding pass. The website is a bit fiddly, but it does what it needs to. There’s also an option to get a printed boarding pass at the airport if you wish.
If you have luggage to check in, there are several bag drop off counters with a few Air Serbia staff walking around the area to assist if needed. There’s also the option of traditional staffed check in counters if you wish.
Loyalty
Air Serbia’s loyalty program is currently integrated with the Etihad Guest loyalty program. In April this year, the airline announced that it was working on its own loyalty program, which is expected launch in 2025.
Air Serbia operate the Premium Lounge Belgrade, which is located in Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport’s transit zone between gates A4 and A5. It’s open from 5:00am to 1:00am daily. Access is available to Etihad Guest Gold and Platinum members, as well as those flying Business class with Air Serbia.
Luggage
Checked luggage is included with all but the most basic economy ticket when flying Air Serbia within Europe. Below is what you’re allowed with each fare class. Carry on bags are not weighed.
| Fare Type | Personal Item | Carry On | Checked Luggage |
| Economy Light | 1 bag up to 4kg | 1 bag up to 8kg | for a fee |
| Economy Standard | 1 bag up to 4kg | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 bag up to 23kg |
| Economy Comfort | 1 bag up to 4kg | 1 bag up to 8kg | 1 bag up to 23kg |
| Business | 1 bag up to 4kg | 2 bags up to 8kg each | 2 bags up to 32kg each |
Service
Service is friendly and efficient. There was a crying baby on board the flight and one of the stewards did a fantastic job of helping the parents to settle the child.
Cabin
The Air Serbia Economy cabin on the A319 that flies from Belgrade to Thessaloniki features 132 seats, in a 3-3 layout. It’s a small plane, and getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s blue, grey and white, keeping in line with Air Serbia’s branding. When it comes to cleanliness, everything nice and clean.
Seat
The leather seat has dimensions of about 81.3cm x 45.7cm (32in x 18.0in), a bit larger than you’ll find in most economy cabins flying this sort of distance. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back.
There are small armrests, and a mesh pocket at the back of the seat in front to place a few things. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down, and there are no power outlets or USB plugs.
Entertainment
There is no in-flight entertainment aboard this flight. Each economy seat features a plastic insert where you’ll find assorted info cards, and Air Serbia’s ‘Elevate’ magazine. It’s a good read, with several interesting travel related articles, destination guides and the like.
Food
A bottle of water and small packet of biscuits are provided at the start of the flight, and you can call for more water if need be. If you want anything else, there’s a small snack menu of food and beverages that you can purchase during the flight.
Amenities
There are minimal amenities on this flight. Access to the internet is available via Air Serbia’s Wi-Fly Wi-Fi service. Several data and price packages are available.
Verdict
When I’m on a short flight like this, what I’m looking for is quite simple. Easy check in, and a comfy seat for the hour that I’m reading, or playing some games on my phone. Anything above that is a bonus. On this flight, Air Serbia did exactly what I wanted it to, and I’d have no problem flying with them again.