Biman Bangladesh Airlines, the national carrier of Bangladesh, has a rich legacy of providing air travel services to both domestic and international travelers. While it offers some positive experiences, it also has areas that could benefit from improvement. In this review, I will cover every aspect of my flight experience with Biman Bangladesh Airlines, from booking to in-flight services and baggage handling. Let’s dive in!
Booking & Website/App Experience with Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3/5 stars
Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ website and mobile app present a straightforward approach to booking tickets. The website is easy to navigate, with clear instructions for choosing flights, entering passenger details, and making payments. However, there are occasional issues with page load times, and the online payment system can be glitchy at times, especially with credit card transactions. While the app provides a more convenient option for managing bookings, it can be temperamental, and users report issues with real-time flight updates.
For travelers seeking more convenient ways to book, Biman does not yet have a highly intuitive or sophisticated app like other international carriers. This leaves some room for improvement in the digital experience.
Check-in Process with Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 4/5 stars
The check-in process, both online and at the airport, is fairly efficient. Online check-in is available, and passengers can select seats, making the process quicker. However, online check-in can sometimes be a bit slow, especially when dealing with large volumes of passengers. At the airport, the staff is generally helpful, and queues are relatively short, though peak travel times can cause delays. Overall, the experience is standard, with only minor inconveniences, but it could be streamlined further for improved convenience.
Airport Experience for Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The airport experience when flying with Biman Bangladesh Airlines is a mixed bag. At Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, the airline provides a reasonably efficient service for check-in and security. However, the facilities in the airport, especially the lounges and waiting areas, could use a refresh. The lounge is limited in terms of seating and amenities, and it can get quite crowded during peak hours. Additionally, some travelers have noted that the staff could be more proactive in offering assistance to passengers, particularly in busy areas.
For international flights, the airport experience is somewhat better, as customs and immigration processing are relatively efficient, though it is still a busy and crowded hub.
Punctuality of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3/5 stars
Punctuality is one area where Biman Bangladesh Airlines faces challenges. Although many flights depart on time, there are frequent delays, especially during peak travel seasons. Passengers have often reported that flights are delayed for hours without proper communication or updates. On the positive side, the airline does provide compensation for significant delays, which shows a level of responsibility. Still, the inconsistency in punctuality could be frustrating for travelers who expect timely departures.
In-flight Comfort & Cleanliness of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 4/5 stars
The in-flight comfort on Biman Bangladesh Airlines is generally good. The seats in both economy and business class are fairly spacious, with ample legroom, especially when compared to other regional airlines. The cabin staff makes sure the seating area is neat, and cleanliness standards are generally maintained throughout the flight. While the aircraft are well-maintained, a few passengers have reported that older planes could use some interior refurbishment to enhance overall comfort.
That said, cleanliness is one of the airline’s strengths, with most reviews highlighting the clean restrooms and general tidiness of the cabin.
In-flight Services of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Biman’s in-flight services include standard amenities such as free meals, drinks, and entertainment. The meal options, particularly for long-haul flights, are quite decent, offering a mix of Bangladeshi and international dishes. The food quality is generally good, though some passengers have reported that meals could be better in terms of taste and presentation. In-flight entertainment is available, but the selection is limited, with older movies and a small screen size.
One standout feature is the hospitality of the cabin crew. Passengers consistently praise the warmth and friendliness of the flight attendants, who are attentive and willing to help when needed. However, some passengers have noted that service can be inconsistent depending on the crew.
Baggage Handling of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 4/5 stars
Baggage handling is one of the areas where Biman shines. Most travelers report that their checked bags arrive promptly at the baggage claim without significant delays. The staff handling baggage is generally efficient, and damages or mishandled luggage are rare. There have been occasional complaints about the handling of fragile items, but this is not a widespread issue.
One downside is the lack of clarity about baggage policies on the airline’s website, with some passengers finding it difficult to understand baggage weight limits and additional fees for extra bags.
Value for Money of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 4/5 stars
In terms of value for money, Biman Bangladesh Airlines offers competitive pricing, especially on regional routes. The affordability of tickets is one of its main selling points. For the price, the airline provides decent service, comfortable seating, and a generally smooth experience, making it a good option for budget-conscious travelers. While the overall experience doesn’t always match the premium offerings of international airlines, it still represents solid value, especially considering the price point.
Overall Experience of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Overall, flying with Biman Bangladesh Airlines is a generally positive experience. The airline provides a reasonable level of comfort and service at an affordable price. While there are areas where improvement is needed, such as punctuality and the digital booking experience, it offers a solid option for both domestic and international travel. The airline’s staff and its commitment to maintaining cleanliness are key highlights, though there is room for improvement in other areas, especially the consistency of in-flight service and communication during delays.
Final Verdict of Biman Bangladesh Airlines
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Biman Bangladesh Airlines is a reliable option for travelers seeking affordable flights to and from Bangladesh. While it may not match the top-tier international airlines in terms of luxury, its competitive pricing, friendly staff, and reasonable comfort make it a good choice for budget travelers. The airline can certainly improve in areas like punctuality, app functionality, and inflight entertainment, but for the price, it offers solid value. With some upgrades and more consistent service, Biman could certainly elevate its standing in the global aviation market.