Croatia Airlines

IATA:    OU / 831
ICAO:   CTN
Website

 

21-May-2003
OU 461 - Zürich Flughafen (ZRH) to Zagreb (ZAG)

Pre Flight Information This flight departed from the B-concourse of Zürich's Klöten Airport.  I stopped by the Sprüngli store and bought a small box of Luxembourger chocolates.  Visiting Zürich just for these candies is worthwhile.

There were no more than 20 people in the waiting area, indicating that this would not be a full flight.  The inbound aircraft arrived late, so boarding and departure were delayed.

Operational Information Aircraft tail number 9A-CTI (A319)
Frequent-flyer mileage 377 miles
Times
Departure Arrival
Schedule 15.10 Schedule 16.25
Board aircraft 15.18 Landing 16.47
Door close 15.21 Gate arrival 16.54
Gate departure 15.28 Door open 16.56
Takeoff 15.44 Disembark 16.57
Routing No information on the aircraft's routing was provided.
Service Information The inflight service included an afternoon snack, which consisted of a cheese and pickle sandwich and a glass of water; there were few drink options.  On the television screens of this A-319 aircraft, Croatia Airlines did show some promotional material that had been provided by the Croatia tourism board.  It was a good introduction to this lovely country.
 

Boarding pass for the flight from Zürich to Zagreb. The snack service on the flight from Zürich to Zagreb.

22-May-2003
OU 656 - Zagreb (ZAG) to Split (SPU)

Pre Flight Information The departure of this flight was delayed due to a late inbound aircraft.  Unfortunately, this information was not conveyed to the travelers until after most had passed through security.  The departure lounge was very small, and extremely crowded.  Zagreb's airport is not a great place to have a long layover.
Operational Information Aircraft tail number 9A-CTH (A319)
Frequent-flyer mileage 154 miles
Times
Departure Arrival
Schedule 21.10 Schedule 21.55
Board aircraft 21.55 Landing 22.47
Door close 22.05 Gate arrival 22.51
Gate departure 22.15 Door open 22.53
Takeoff 22.47 Disembark 22.55
Routing The routing was straight from Zagreb to the coast, then down to Spilt.
Service Information The flight was 100% full.  There was a drink service, accompanied with a boxed chocolate.
 

A Croatia Airlines A319 (9A-CTJ) on the ground at Zagreb Airport. Boarding pass for Croatia Airlines flight 656, from Zagreb to Split

27-May-2003
OU 661 - Dubrovnik (DBV) to Zagreb (ZAG)

Pre Flight Information It was going to be a long travel day - starting in Dubrovnik, transferring in Zagreb and Zürich, before arriving in Atlanta late in the afternoon.

I attempted to check my bags through to Atlanta, but the baggage agent would not accept my positive space ticket as confirmation.  It was probably for the best, since the bags would not have made the connection in Zürich.

The Dubrovnik airport has undergone a renovation recently.  It is new, with well-lit waiting areas and new facilities.  The airport had to be rebuilt after the war of independence, and this new facility is a result.

Passengers cannot check through to their final destination.  If they are connecting from this domestic flight to an international flight, they most clear immigration in Zagreb, receive a new boarding pass and go through security.  It is very inconvenient and should be changed.

Operational Information Aircraft tail number 9A-CTG (A319)
Frequent-flyer mileage 245 miles
Times
Departure Arrival
Schedule 07.00 Schedule 07.50
Board aircraft 06.45 Landing 07.50
Door close 06.58 Gate arrival 07.54
Gate departure 07.03 Door open 07.56
Takeoff 07.08 Disembark 07.57
Routing
Service Information There was no meal or drink service on this flight.  Since it was so short, there was barely time for any accommodations.  Business class, however, did receive a drink service.
 

27-May-2003
OU 460 - Zagreb (ZAG) to Zürich Flughafen (ZRH)

Pre Flight Information As mentioned above, passengers connecting from a domestic to an international flight must exit the domestic terminal, receive a new boarding card and pass through security again.  This is a tedious process, especially for tight connections.

Since there was little time between connections, I did not wander around the airport.  I went straight to my departure gate and waited to board the aircraft.  The airport has recently updated its Duty Free shop, and it appeared to have a good selection.

Operational Information Aircraft tail number 9A-CTU (ATR42)
Frequent-flyer mileage 377 miles
Times
Departure Arrival
Schedule 08.30 Schedule 10.20
Board aircraft 08.29 Landing 10.20
Door close 08.39 Gate arrival 10.26
Gate departure 08.41 Door open 10.28
Takeoff 08.45 Disembark 10.29
Routing Over Slovenia and Austria, into Zürich
Service Information There was a light meal service, consisting of a cheese and pickle sandwich; drink service was available.
 

Boarding pass for early-morning flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb. Boarding pass for flight from Zagreb to Zürich.
 

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