Montenegro Airlines is the national air carrier of Montenegro. The sphere of its activity is the implementation of international air transportation, both regular and charter. Despite the fact that the company's fleet is rather modest, the Montenegrin airline is able to compete with other carriers in terms of price, directions and service. Passengers receive decent service at an affordable price.
Creation of the national air carrier of Montenegro
The date of creation of the national airline of Montenegro is the end of October 1994. However, only after two years, in 1997, the company was able to perform the first flight from Podgorica to Bari, when the aircraft of the Fokker 28 type was purchased.
A year later, the air carrier acquires another aircraft (Fokker 28Mk4000) and begins to operate international flights.
In 1999, Montenegro Airlines was forced to suspend operations in connection with the bombing of Yugoslavia by NATO forces.
After lifting the ban on flights in the airspace of the European Union, the company opens new flights to cities such as Frankfurt, Istanbul, Zurich, Budapest, Ljubljana, Skopje. The development of the route network is facilitated by codeshare agreements signed with well-known airlines (Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Etihad Airways) on the joint operation of flights.
As a hub Montenegro Airlines uses the airports of Tivat Airport and Podgorica Airport, which was awarded the title of the best airport in 2007 by the Airports Council International.
Route network
The airline operates regular and charter flights to many European cities. The number of flights depends on the season.
The company's planes fly to Russia to Moscow (throughout the year) and St. Petersburg (from April to October).
Throughout the year, Montenegro Airlines delivers passengers to Moscow, Paris, Frankfurt, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Zurich, Rome, Vienna. During the holiday season, the number of flights increases, the route network expands. The airline flies to London, Lyon, Copenhagen, Dusseldorf, and also opens many charter flights.
Service
The service that Montenegro airlines offer their customers depends on the class of service: economy or business. The cabins of all aircraft are equipped with comfortable seats, the distance between which allows even people with taller than average height to sit comfortably. Business class passengers are provided with seats at the beginning of the cabin.
In accordance with the class of service, drinks are provided on board the aircraft of the airline, food - according to passengers' reviews, is rather modest. Those booking business class flights to London, Copenhagen, Hanover, Paris, Zurich, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, no later than two hours before departure, can order vegetarian or low-calorie meals, seafood, food with low cholesterol content. This function is available to passengers of both classes departing from Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Persons who want to choose food and place can do this on the official website of the company in the section "Travel status".
Classes of service differ in the norms of free baggage allowance. Fly Montenegro business class provides an opportunity to take more baggage with you, as well as check it in for the flight faster and receive it after arrival.
Business lounges are not available at all airports. You can use the service if there is an agreement between the company and the airport.
Security
The Montenegrin national air carrier has been a member of IATA (International Air Transport Association) since 2000, thanks to which it has permission to operate regular international flights.
The airline uses Amadeus, one of the world's largest computer-based booking systems, which provides access to flight information and availability.
In 2006, the IOSA certificate was obtained, which is issued to airlines that meet strict standards.
The company's air fleet is being updated in stages, it consists of 5 modern aircraft: 3 types of Embraer 195 and 2 types of Fokker 100. The navigation systems equipped with the aircraft provide maximum reliability. The devices allow you to automatically land in low visibility conditions, warn the pilot about problems.
Can you earn miles?
Montenegro Airlines invites its passengers to participate in the Vision Team loyalty program. Membership in the program allows you to earn miles by flying. The number of miles that are added to the Vision Pass account after the first flight depends on the ticket price.
Miles are credited for flights paid for and performed by a member on regular Montenegro Airlines flights. Miles are not accumulated if the ticket is purchased at a discount, free of charge or for a charter flight. Bonuses are valid for 18 months, then they are canceled.
Miles can be redeemed for benefits such as a free ticket or a higher class flight. The airline plans to include hotels, car rentals, which can be booked with discounts, in the loyalty program over time.
Family trips
For travelers with small children, the airline provides the opportunity to choose a seat in the aircraft cabin. Typically, children want to sit by the window. You can order healthy food for your child in advance.
In addition to the permitted luggage, it is possible to take a stroller or car seat, baby food, milk for babies with you to the salon. The weight and dimensions of baggage for one child under 2 years old must not exceed 10 kg and 158 cm (in three dimensions), respectively.
In addition, Air Montenegro periodically offers special fares. For example, for a flight on the route Podgorica / Tivat - Belgrade and back, you can buy a ticket at a favorable family fare.
Flights at low prices are available on condition that at least one parent and one child travel together during the year, except for the summer season.
How many things can you take with you?
Carry-on baggage is allowed on board. According to the airline's requirements, weight and size must comply with the following standards:
- weight - up to 8 kg;
- the size, including wheels, handles, pockets, cannot exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm (the total sum of dimensions is not more than 115 cm).
You can check your carry-on baggage for compliance with the standards at the airport in the check-in area, where the bounding frames are installed. Additionally, it is allowed to transport the following items and things in the passenger cabin:
- seasonal outerwear, umbrella;
- crutches, canes, walkers;
- video camera, binoculars;
- laptop, cell phone;
- magazines, books, newspapers for reading in flight;
- baby bassinet or stroller, baby food;
- medicine required on board (liquid medicine can be taken subject to a prescription, a certificate from a medical institution).
Passengers traveling to the Russian Federation and carrying liquids, personal hygiene products, medicines with them in their carry-on baggage must provide these items for inspection by the airport aviation security service. This procedure is carried out in accordance with the directive of the Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia.
Passengers are entitled to free baggage according to the class of service. On the flights of the Montenegrin air carrier, the following standards are established:
- in economy class 1 piece of baggage: maximum weight - 23 kg, size - 158 cm (height + width + depth);
- in business class there are 2 pieces of baggage, the weight of each of them is not more than 32 kg, the size is a maximum of 158 cm;
Holders of "Gold" and "Silver" cards are allowed to carry baggage in economy and business class up to 32 kg per seat. In business class, a maximum size of 208 cm is allowed. In a combined flight, you should pay attention to the rules for free baggage with another carrier.
There is an additional charge for excess baggage. Fares depend on the number of seats, weight, size, date of purchase of the ticket. For excess weight and dimensions, you will have to pay from 30 to 100 euros, for an extra seat - from 30 to 150 euros.
Booking options
Persons wishing to buy tickets for Montenegro Airlines can do so in the following ways:
- directly on the official website of Montenegro Airlines;
- through the call center (you need to call 19804, for international calls - +382 20 228 187);
- in ticket offices and representative offices of the company located in Montenegro and in many cities abroad;
- at travel agencies or other authorized organizations.
To purchase a ticket on the website, you need to look at the schedule in the Information and service section on the Flights Timetable page, enter the departure and arrival city and travel dates in the booking form fields. Then, from the options offered, choose a suitable flight, provide contact information and pay for tickets in the currency of the country where the purchase is made (rubles, euro, dollar).
When buying tickets at a travel agency, you need to be prepared for additional commissions that are charged for services.
Affordable prices for air tickets "Montenegrin Airlines" provides:
- subject to early booking for flights that will be operated during the summer season;
- for flights to New York from Podgorica and Tivat via Belgrade;
- for regular flights to European cities when booking no later than 25 days before departure (for example, the cost of a flight Tivat - Moscow is 180 euros);
- students under the age of 26 with Montenegrin citizenship;
- parents traveling with children;
- pensioners over 60 years old.
Information about the cost of tickets, as well as special discounts can be found on the website in the section "Best offers".
Passenger and baggage handling
The procedure for check-in, passport control, baggage drop-off at the airport starts 3 hours and ends 30 minutes before departure. In a situation where a passenger uses the services of several carriers on the route, baggage can be checked in to the destination. The main condition is that the break between flights should not be more than a day.
Montenegro Airlines does not offer such a service as online check-in for a flight on the website or using a mobile application.
Passengers flying from Moscow Domodedovo Airport can check in online for the airline's flight using a self-check-in kiosk. You will need a passport, flight details, booking code.
Orange self-check-in kiosks are located in the center of the airport building. On the screen, you need to select an airline (Montenegro Airlines), enter the booking number that is indicated on the e-ticket, last name, first name and flight number. You can then select a seat on the aircraft and print your boarding pass.
Company offices
Information about all offices and representative offices of the company is provided by the official website of Montenegro Airlines. The headquarters is located in Montenegro in the city of Podgorica. The call center is located at: Beogradska 10, 81000, Podgorica. You can contact the organization's employees on weekdays and Saturdays from 8.00 to 20.00, on Sunday - from 8.00 to 12.00.
Representative offices of the company operate in cities such as Vienna, Budva, Belgrade, Zurich, Hanover, Copenhagen, London, Ljubljana, New York, Paris.
The airline has a representative office in Moscow, which is located at: st. Koroviy Val, 7, building 1 sq. pom. II, 119017, Moscow. The contact phone number of the ticket sales office is + 7 499 230 0868. The representative office works from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 17.00, on Saturday from 10.00 to 15.00.
The company serves clients at the airports of Belgrade, Frankfurt, Podgorica, Rome, Tivat. In the capital of Russia, the office is located at Domodedovo airport, office 3.57. For communication with the employees of the Russian representative office of the company there are telephones in Moscow: + 7 495 287 15 25, + 7 495 287 15 26.
Finally
The national airline of Montenegro has gained a strong position in Europe in the air transportation market. The route network covers a small number of cities, but the carrier is constantly working to open new directions, increase the number of customers, and improve the quality of services. Passengers are attracted by affordable fares, comfortable planes, friendly staff, the opportunity to earn miles and receive discounts.
