Flight Review: Transavia from Paris Orly
By Mr Plane Guy
Introduction to Transavia Airlines
Founded in 1965, Transavia is a Dutch-French low-cost airline operating as a subsidiary of Air France-KLM Group. Known for offering affordable flights across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Transavia is headquartered in Amsterdam with key operational bases in Paris Orly, Lyon, and Rotterdam. Originally established in the Netherlands, Transavia expanded into France in 2007, becoming a significant player in the European budget travel market.
With a modern fleet of over 100 Boeing 737 aircraft, Transavia focuses on short and medium-haul routes. The airline is recognised for balancing low-cost services with solid reliability and professionalism, making it a strong competitor to other budget airlines like Vueling, easyJet, and Ryanair.
Pre-Flight: Ourrzazate Airport Experience
My journey began at Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ), a small but efficient regional airport in Morocco. Checking in was straightforward, and security lines were minimal. Despite its smaller size, the airport staff was efficient, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
The Flight: Transavia Ouarzazate to Paris Orly
Flight Number: TO3083
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes
I hadn’t pre-booked a seat, and to my surprise, I was assigned an extra legroom seat near the exit row at no additional cost. At 6'1", this was a welcome perk, especially for a longer short-haul flight.
Transavia Luggage Policy
Transavia Airlines offers flexible fare options to accommodate different traveller needs:
Transavia Hand Luggage:
Your ticket price includes a small carry-on bag at no extra cost (maximum size: 40x30x20 cm) that should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
You can also always take an umbrella, a walking stick and one bag with duty free items on board.
If you've chosen a Transavia MAX fare you're welcome to bring an additional hand luggage item (maximum size: 55 x 35 x 25 cm). Just make sure the combined weight of both bags doesn't exceed 10 kg.
Checked Luggage: Options range from 20 kg to 30 kg depending if you buy either a Plus or Max fare or for an additional fee on a Basic fare.
Excess Baggage: Airport charges are higher, so pre-booking is recommended.
Here are a few bag suggestions specifically for Voltea baggage rules.
Cabin Max METZ 20L Underseat Bag (40 x 20 x 25 cm)
Now this bag actually fits Ryanair and Wizz Air that have stricter and smaller free personal baggage allowance.
You can find more information about this bag Right Here
The Cabin Max METZ 20L is my go-to under seat bag for Transavia, Vueling, EasyJet and Ryanair flights. It’s perfectly sized for Volotea free personal item allowance and comes packed with features:
Lightweight and Durable:Weighs only 500g, making it easy to carry around even when fully packed.
Comfortable for Travel: Extensive padding ensures comfort, whether you’re navigating airports or exploring your destination.
Organised Storage: Multiple compartments, including a front organiser pocket for travel documents, pens, and tickets, make staying organised a breeze.
Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled plastic bottles (Rpet polyester), it’s a sustainable choice for eco-conscious travellers.
This bag is also compatible with most major airlines, making it a versatile travel companion beyond Transavia.
It comes in so many different colour options
The Metz 20L is also compliant with a vast amount of other carriers EVEN Ryanair!
(The other carriers) My Metz on the back of Dave the camel in Morocco,
Yes 3 nights in Morocco with the Metz no problem!
This is perfect if you have purchased Transavia Max fare type, or Ryanair Priority Boarding or even EasyJet Speedy boarding or have paid for a bag to carry onboard, option.
Transavia Paid Cabin Baggage Option
Transavia rules are for bags up to maximum size: 55 x 45 x 25 cm, so the anode is a perfect fit at 55 x 40 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels).
I find this option for paying for a paid carry on bag on with low cost airlines is a great feature for me for trips up to a week away. Usually a-lot cheaper than buying hold luggage fee's. (Prices vary depending on which route and low cost airline flight.) Plus I can keep the bag with me and I don't have to stress at the luggage carousel! I take my 40L Cabin Max Anode and it can fit plenty of items for a week away.
Transavia Travel Tip: I usually buy the basic fare and add on a carry on bag seperatly and this always works out great value!
I've been using the Cabin Max Anode for over a year and it's the perfect fit for Speedy boarding or Priority Boarding where you get extra luggage allowance or as a paid carry on luggage item.
It is so light weight, it has 360 spinning wheels so I can push or pull it around the airport and place my small underseat bag on top of it. It has a well made lock to keep all my items secure. For the price as well it is excellent quality!
For those who need more space, the Cabin Max Anode 40L is a fantastic option.
Spacious and Lightweight: Perfect for trips up to 7 days, with enough room for clothing, toiletries, and extras.
Durable and Stylish: Available in various colours, so you can travel in style.
It's also a perfect fit for Ryanair, Voltea Priority or EasyJet Speedy Boarding: No worries about your bag arriving separately, as you can keep it with you.
Transavia Onboard Experience
Cleanliness & Comfort: The aircraft was immaculately clean, with comfortable seats and well-maintained interiors. Despite being a low-cost carrier, Transavia’s planes are modern and well-kept, making the journey pleasant.
Crew Professionalism: The cabin crew was exceptionally professional and attentive. From boarding to landing, their approach was efficient and friendly, creating a calm and organized atmosphere.
Arrival at Paris Orly: A Lengthy Process
After landing at Paris Orly Airport (ORY), the aircraft was parked at a remote stand, requiring passengers to disembark via stairs and board buses to the terminal. This process significantly extended the deplaning time, and it took over 30-45 minutes from touchdown until I reached the arrivals hall. While this isn’t uncommon for large airports like Orly, it’s something to be mindful of if you’re in a hurry or have connecting flights.
Transavia Luggage Policy
Transavia’s baggage policy offers flexibility for budget travelers:
Hand Luggage: One cabin bag measuring 55x35x25cm (up to 10kg) and a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag.
Checked Luggage: Not included in the basic fare, but passengers can add checked bags from 15kg to 30kg for an additional fee, depending on the route and booking time.
Excess Baggage: Transavia charges for excess baggage at competitive rates, so pre-booking online is recommended for cost savings.
Transavia Punctuality and Reliability
Transavia’s on-time performance is commendable, with an average punctuality rate of 86% across its network. Although delays occasionally occur, especially during peak travel seasons, the airline maintains a solid reputation for reliability compared to other low-cost carriers. This commitment to timeliness and customer service has helped them rank favourably among European budget airlines.
Transavia Travel Tip
Get one of these phone holder clips and watch something on your phone hands free, it clips on to Transavia Economy seats perfectly! They are so cheap and will really transform your economy flight experience! I will link one here on Amazon
Transavia Fleet Information
Transavia operates a uniform fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, primarily the 737-800 model, with seating for approximately 189 passengers. The airline’s standardized fleet allows for efficient maintenance and streamlined operations, contributing to its competitive pricing and reliable performance. Future fleet expansions include plans for newer Boeing 737 MAX models, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions, aligning with the Air France-KLM Group’s sustainability goals.
Transavia’s Position in the Market
As a part of the Air France-KLM Group, Transavia benefits from the resources and expertise of one of Europe’s largest airline conglomerates. However, it operates independently as a no-frills carrier, focusing on delivering value without compromising on safety or service. Its growing presence in key markets, particularly in France and the Netherlands, makes it a go-to airline for budget-conscious travelers looking for reliable and affordable flights.
Final Thoughts
My experience flying with Transavia from Ouarzazate to Paris Orly was overwhelmingly positive. The flight was clean, comfortable, and well-managed, with professional crew members ensuring a smooth journey. While the remote stand at Orly caused delays in disembarkation, the overall experience was efficient and pleasant.
For travelers seeking a reliable, low-cost option across Europe and North Africa, Transavia offers a compelling blend of affordability, punctuality, and professionalism. Whether you’re booking a weekend getaway or a longer trip, Transavia is a strong choice in the budget airline market.
FAQs
Is Transavia strict with hand luggage? Yes, they adhere to strict size and weight limits, so ensure your cabin bag meets their requirements.
Can you pre-select seats on Transavia? Yes, seat selection is available for an additional fee, but you can also take your chances with random seat assignment like I did and potentially get lucky with extra legroom!
Does Transavia offer Wi-Fi? Currently, Transavia does not provide Wi-Fi onboard, focusing on simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
What is Transavia’s relationship with Air France? Transavia is a fully owned subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group, operating independently as a low-cost carrier.
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed Flight Review: Transavia from Paris Orly, do let me know in the comments if you have any questions about it.
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