Trip Report – SmartWings Prague (PRG) – Naples (NAP)

Sometimes it makes no sense to use points or miles…and this was one of those times. A direct flight from Prague to Naples on Smartwings was far more convenient for our trip to the Amalfi Coast and only priced at EUR 90 per person. Redeeming Avios would have forced a routing via LHR, BCN, or MAD and would not have saved that much $. Redeeming UA or US points would have forced a connection via Lufthansa in FRA or MUC. Redeeming KLM Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles provided numerous options to Rome, but for EUR 90, I preferred to save my points and take the direct flight (plus it was a new carrier for me).

This is part nine of a twelve part trip report from my travels to Prague, Nice, Bratislava, Sorrento, and Rome. This trip picture report covers my first ever flight on SmartWings (Travel Service).

• Delta BusinessElite 767-300ER JFK-PRG (Prague)
• Hilton Prague Old Town
• CSA Czech Airlines Crystal Lounge Prague
• Czech Airlines PRG-NCE (Nice) / NCE-PRG
• Le Méridien Nice
• Nice Côte d’Azur Lounge
• Sheraton Bratislava
• SmartWings PRG-NAP (Naples)
• Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel
• Marriott Autograph Collection – Boscolo Palace Roma
• Alitalia Giotto Lounge Rome
• Alitalia B777-200ER New Magnifica Business Class FCO-JFK

SmartWings is a low cost airline based in Prague which rolls up into the Prague based Travel Service Charter company. During the year, SmartWings offers flights to forty destinations throughout Europe and the Middle East with departures from Prague, Brno and Ostrava. Note that pricing on their website is exactly the same as on third party sites, meaning it makes sense to book via a site running a mileage mall promotion (Chase Ultimate Rewards Mall had a Travelocity special at the time which was good on flights and allowed me to earn bonus UR points).

Check-In at an airline with no elite program, partners or status means long lines. Check-In went right until 20 minutes prior to departure in order to clear everyone in the line.

Luckily, I was still able to show my Delta SkyMiles Platinum card to gain access to priority security and boarding. Without it, we surely would have missed the flight.

The seats on our flight were not bad at all – leather, nice padding, and retractable headrests (SmartWings operates 737-700s, 737-800s, and A320s).

There was even an in-flight magazine and moving map…

Food Service on the short 1 hour and 55 minute flight – bread with two slices of cheese and ham. If you are a non pork eater or vegan, your out of luck…

Great views during the approach…

An old SpiceJet plane restyled as SmartWings

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