The Pride of Africa: Kenya Airways

3 points - only because the staff of Kenyan Airways are so nice. Without them, this experience out be a ZERO.

I was flying business class from Nairobi to Amsterdam. My flight home was to leave around 1 pm. We got off the ground at 3:45. It is cramped in the waiting area, there are people upon people, taking turns sitting. There was no place to buy a coffee or water...no magazine shop. One cannot even hold a laptop since one would have to share the lap of the person next to you. There is not an easily accessible business class area. In fact, the only privilege one gets is to board first.

When you arrive at the airport, there is this rudimentary security check but not a porter anywhere. I had about 25 kg of luggage and it is heavy to toss up onto the conveyor belt. Carts are not allowed from the outside to the inside of the building. The line ups are atrocious. I had booked with KLM (my personal favourite) but since all the airlines have partnered, one never knows which counter to go to immediately. The ticket says KLM and one is given a number for the gate entrance - which is marked Kenyan Airways. Frustrating since moving around at Nairobi airport is next to impossible with very poor signage so one must ask directions constantly. The airport shops are great so make sure you save a few $$ to shop there. I bought most of my gifts at the airport as I was leaving. Remember to leave room in a suitcase for all these wares. The shops sell Kenyan items, made in Kenya, unlike most airport shops which sell Mostly "made in China" or "Taiwan." Remember that flight times are more "suggestions" than strictly adhered to.

Being 2 1/2 hrs. late taking off, I made my connection with running a marathon! There was a KLM attendant hollering "you have 5 minutes, madam. RUN!" Run I did. Made it. My luggage followed 6 days later!

I love Kenya! The Nairobi airport makes me think twice before planning another trip to Nairobi.

Kenya Airways was the very first carrier I traveled on from Kampala to Nairobi many years ago. I have flown this airline so many times that I can confidently say it is a great choice within Continental Africa and Internationally with it's partner KLM. When in Africa and particularly East Africa, do as the Africans do - fly Kenya Airways