Review: Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 (TBS-GYD)

TBS-GYD

J2 8234

Depart: 13:50

Arrive: 19:00

Visiting all of the Caucasus countries require a bit of finesse since Azerbaijan and Armenia don’t have direct flights to each other. Georgia acts as the middle ground in this region, so depending on your order in visiting the Caucasus, backtracking to Georgia could be required.

Armenia doesn’t have daily flight to Tbilisi, but there’s multiple daily flights on Tbilisi=Baku route with Azerbaijan Airlines that really help with navigating through all three Caucasus countries. It’s exciting to try out a new airline, so here’s my review of a short-haul international flight with Azerbaijan Airlines.

Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190- Booking

I booked a round trip ticket from Tbilisi-Baku for around $180. It’s typically cheaper than that, but this rate includes checked bag for both legs. Make sure to keep in mind that you’ll be paying extra for checked bags when flying the Azerbaijan-Georgia route.

Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190- Boarding

I got to the airport from the Paragraph Freedom Square about 1 hour before the flight depart. Check-in line was short, but security line plus passport control took a really long time that I was worried about not being able to check out the lounge.

Before boarding, I managed to briefly check out the Primeclass Lounge in TBS. It’s an OK lounge that I wouldn’t go out of my own way to visit. It is the sole lounge of the airport though so there’s no room to be picky.

Boarding itself was smoother compared to security check, however.

There’s no “business class” seats on this aircraft, but the front rows have seat flaps with a welcoming message while the middle to back row seats have turquoise flaps.

The seats’ dark blue color matches with AZAL’s livery.

Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190- Flight Experience

The flight only takes over an hour, but even so, a meal service was given. We were all given a pack of egg sandwich and a juice box. I wish US airlines do something similar!

The view of Baku from the sky was spectacular. I wonder what it’d be like during the night.

When we arrived at the Haydar Aliyev International Airport, we were met with AZAL fleets as expected. It was nice to be back in Azerbaijan for the second time.

Conclusion

It was fun being able to try out Azerbaijan Airlines for the first time. The flight was smooth and I like how there’s a respectable meal service for such a short flight.