I’m thinking of finally booking a ticket on an airline that has been on my radar for years. It sure won’t be straightforward, but I’m tempted, so I’m curious to hear what the OMAAT community thinks…
The routing I’m considering from Miami to Marseille
I need to get from Miami (MIA) to Marseille (MRS) soon. Most normal people would try to book a one-stop routing as a single ticket. As a matter of fact, I even see a good one-stop option in business class using miles at the saver level… a rare treat nowadays!
However, I’m not a normal person. As y’all know, I always try to experience new products, no matter how far out of the way that takes me.
That brings me to an interesting routing that I’m considering. Instead of one connection on one ticket, the routing I’m considering involves at least four flights across three tickets. But hey, nobody said that trying to constantly try different airlines would be easy, right? 😉
Anyway, Air Algerie is an airline that has long intrigued me:
- I’ve heard almost nothing but bad things about the carrier, which is of course an incredibly appealing reason for me to want to fly the airline
- However, the airline is finally modernizing its long haul fleet with new Airbus A330-900neos, and at least the hard product looks quite good
The thing is, Air Algerie fares are typically very high, despite the low quality product. The airline doesn’t seem to lean that much into being a connecting carrier, and instead, is focused largely on the Algeria market (getting a visa for Algeria is kind of a pain).
But, I am seeing a decent Air Algerie fare from Montreal (YUL) to Tunis (TUN) via Algiers (ALG). Admittedly Montreal isn’t my origin, and Tunis isn’t my destination, but those are minor details in the scheme of things!
My only regret with that Air Algerie itinerary is that the connecting flight isn’t on the rare Boeing 737-600, which Air Algerie flies. Instead, it’s on an Airbus A320… which isn’t even part of Air Algerie’s fleet. Instead, it appears this is a wet leased plane, belonging to Bulgaria’s Fly2Sky. “Lucky, you only care about luxury.” Psssh, please! Who wouldn’t want a little Bulgarian culture when flying between Algeria and Tunisia?
I then have two options. The first option is to throw a fit in the gate area, and claim I’m confused, and thought my flight was actually “to Nice” (which isn’t too far from Marseille). 😉 The second option is to just book Tunisair on the Airbus A320neo, an aircraft type on the airline that I haven’t yet flown.
Getting to Montreal also isn’t that complicated, so this actually doesn’t strike me as a terribly roundabout routing. I promise to behave, as I’m not looking to get banned from any other North African countries!
Do I spend a night or two in Tunis, while I’m at it?
I could fly this itinerary the whole way through from Miami to Marseille with the three stops, with some decent buffers along the way. However, I’m also tempted to spend a night or two in Tunis. I last visited Tunisia nearly a decade ago, as I flew Tunisair’s A330 from Tunis to Montreal.
I have fond memories of my brief visit, and am generally tempted to return. Any thoughts on where to stay? The Four Seasons Tunis is located in Gammarth, a nice coastal area, and is one of the more reasonably priced properties belonging to the brand (while still being insanely priced by local standards).
Is there any other charming hotel I should consider? The Tunis Marriott Hotel only opened in 2022, and looks quite good for a standard Marriott. However, it seems to be more of a generic city hotel, while the Four Seasons is more of a resort.
If there are any options I’m missing (even if not affiliated with a major hotel group), I’d love to hear them!
Bottom line
Air Algerie has been on my radar for years, and now the airline seems to actually have a pretty decent long haul hard product. I can’t decide if that makes it more or less appealing for me to fly with the airline… but either way, I’m down!
While an itinerary from Montreal to Tunis doesn’t necessarily seem practical when trying to fly from Miami to Marseille, I’m always interested in an adventure like that. So please let me know if y’all are curious about the Air Algerie experience, or if it’s just me…
Should I fly Air Algerie’s A330neo business class? If so, should I spend a night or two in Tunis?
Not crazy at all, Lucky. Hope you do this. And I say 2 nights in Tunis.
Do it! Do it all!
In my best Emperor impersonation, "DEW IT"
"Power! Unlimited power!!"
I flew them domestic a couple years ago and they were good. Well organized boarding and polite employees.
Whatever you do don't go landside in Algiers unless you have more than two hours to get back in. Great city though!
I very much like this Four Seasons Tunis idea... "good luck, we're all counting on you."
Looking at flightradar, LZ-FSA will be operating the flight to Tunis. This Aircraft has a proper Business Class seat and the LOPA is on the fly2sky website.
Interesting to see that AH4002 has a two hour delay every other day…
There's certainly enough to see and do in Tunis to make it worthwhile to stay 2 nights. My late wife and I spent 8 days in Tunisia (pre-revolution) and loved. We never got bored and the food was fantastic.
Why not make it a tour of northern Africa and add a stop in Cairo as well? 😉
Ben has been banned from Egypt!
I am not sure there is an "official ban" in place vs. a threat from the Airport authorities about Ben giving the airport a bad review.
” Psssh, please! Who wouldn’t want a little Bulgarian culture when flying between Algeria and Tunisia?"
No need to put down Bulgarian culture. Bulgarians are not the friendliest people in Europe but their food is excellent, Rakia is superb for shots and their culture dates back thousands of years. And yes, Lactobacillus bulgaricus originates in Bulgaria.
@Calidude What is the best Bulgarian food?
@stanley-c Tricky question. Really depends. Vegetarian dishes include Banitza (phyllo dough with cheese mixture) and Shopska Salata (amazing tomatoes with bulgarian white cheese calle Sirini +/- cucumbers and onions). Many of bulgarian dishes are variations on Greek, Turkish and Northern East European cuisine. Sarmi (stuffed cabbage), Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or stuffed red peppers can be vegetarian or meat. Most common meats are pork and lamb with beef and chicken always available. Gyuvetche is a...
@stanley-c Tricky question. Really depends. Vegetarian dishes include Banitza (phyllo dough with cheese mixture) and Shopska Salata (amazing tomatoes with bulgarian white cheese calle Sirini +/- cucumbers and onions). Many of bulgarian dishes are variations on Greek, Turkish and Northern East European cuisine. Sarmi (stuffed cabbage), Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or stuffed red peppers can be vegetarian or meat. Most common meats are pork and lamb with beef and chicken always available. Gyuvetche is a mixture of meats, vegetables and potatoes, baked in a pot (something like making Tagine). Baklava is excellent in bulgaria. It is very traditional, walnuts and sugar syrup with no added unnecessary flavors. Kebabs (ground meat in a skewer) is excellent and the bulgarian yogurt (they call it acid milk - kisalo mleko) is superb. In general, traditional bulgarian food is simple with little seasoning, letting the meat, vegetables or dairy products shine through. And if you like salami then Lukanka is famous. Rakia is the traditional eau de vie - similar perhaps to grappa in Italy (not to be confused with Turkish Arak which is a licorice drink). Sorry for the long non-response. You asked what is the best food and you get a lecture.
This is really cool. Love it!
I'd love a review of the FS Tunis!
Are you nuts?
@Ed Nuts by Korean Air standards?
Deez...
One unfortunate note, Ben: Air Algerie has two versions of their 330neos. The majority are their new builds, 7T-VJ*. These feature their new VantageXL seats, in a high density configuration. However they have two additional aircraft which they bought used, 7T-VL*, from Air Belguim after they were not taken up by their original carriers, Air Berlin and then RwandAir. These are in a more premium configuration, but also have their original Air Berlin/RwandAir/Air Belguim interior...
One unfortunate note, Ben: Air Algerie has two versions of their 330neos. The majority are their new builds, 7T-VJ*. These feature their new VantageXL seats, in a high density configuration. However they have two additional aircraft which they bought used, 7T-VL*, from Air Belguim after they were not taken up by their original carriers, Air Berlin and then RwandAir. These are in a more premium configuration, but also have their original Air Berlin/RwandAir/Air Belguim interior which have the older (I believe Solstys) business class seats. The Montreal flights exclusively use this subfleet. So you won't be getting a plane with the interior you showed.
Recall I had a very nice experience on Air Algerie in J:
https://liveandletsfly.com/air-algerie-a330-200-business-class-review/
And also a great stay at the FS Tunis...highly recommended!
Sure but you also said: "Can you blame for guarding my expectations prior to stepping onboard? I had been chewed out at check-in, hassled during passport control, chewed out by a passenger in the lounge, and found the lounge totally lacking in terms of food and drink for a flagship lounge. The day before I had been chewed out by hotel staff for taking pictures."
Would I personally take this flight? Nah. Do I very...
Sure but you also said: "Can you blame for guarding my expectations prior to stepping onboard? I had been chewed out at check-in, hassled during passport control, chewed out by a passenger in the lounge, and found the lounge totally lacking in terms of food and drink for a flagship lounge. The day before I had been chewed out by hotel staff for taking pictures."
Would I personally take this flight? Nah. Do I very much enjoy reading the reviews of them? Absolutely. So... go for it, Ben!
As someone that spent every summer growing up in Tunisia, I would love if you spent some additional time there and tried both the Marriott and Four Seasons. Try to enjoy as much food as possible!
Tunis is lovely but the 4 Seasons is not worth a visit at all. Weird location and service challenged to say the least - and zero local flavor. Avoid it. The Marriott is even worse. No soul.
The place to go is Maison Dedine - a magical hotel bookable with HHonors points! The location is divine and its a short walk up the hill to the historic and wonderful part of Tunis.
Air...
Tunis is lovely but the 4 Seasons is not worth a visit at all. Weird location and service challenged to say the least - and zero local flavor. Avoid it. The Marriott is even worse. No soul.
The place to go is Maison Dedine - a magical hotel bookable with HHonors points! The location is divine and its a short walk up the hill to the historic and wonderful part of Tunis.
Air Algeria is functional at best. That said, ALG is a modern airport and the people were universally wonderful there. Go for it!
You can't ask us about this and not do it! It's a shame Algeria is so hard to enter because I hear good things and they have a Hyatt Regency
Why are you even thinking? total no-brainer
You really make your life difficult. MIA CDG CDG MRS... why in the world would anyone fly to Canada then to Africa (even worse its Algiers?!).
Well I guess you get paid for this.
Mike, you clearly do not understand the whole aura of OMAAT… *facepalm*
Previous Comment Edit: Sorry. I have Tunisia and Algeria mixed as countries to avoid at all costs.
I stayed at Dar El Jelb Hotel, a few years ago, at the time it was known as the best hotel in the City, very central location and good restaurant. Rooms are all suite and massive. Four seasons was poorly rated and quite far from anything.
Oh, that clears everything up… NOT.
(Bad ‘hot take,’ sir. Yowzers!)
@Ben,
1. Yes, book Air Algerie
2. Yes, throw a fit so they get you "to Nice"
Nothing to really to do with anything, but the best time for the Island Hopper and the Pacific would be in February. You'll get some beautiful pictures; the Pacific islands are gorgeous!
Do it westbound to get the full experience and do it from Hawaii all the way to Manila. But I suggest you try something else aside from Philippine Airlines ;) The EVA A35K would be a fun experience assuming they deploy it...
Nothing to really to do with anything, but the best time for the Island Hopper and the Pacific would be in February. You'll get some beautiful pictures; the Pacific islands are gorgeous!
Do it westbound to get the full experience and do it from Hawaii all the way to Manila. But I suggest you try something else aside from Philippine Airlines ;) The EVA A35K would be a fun experience assuming they deploy it to Manila for familiarization flights as it'll be a new type (as well as engine) for them. Same for China Airlines and their 787s.
Novotel Tunis Lac was excellent though I know you don't use Accor much.
Tunis is absolutely worth a couple days. Sidi Bou Said, Carthage, the souk...had a great spring break there last year
If you can be dragged away from a points hotel, the Dar El Jeld is a lovely property in the Medina with sixteen suites and a rooftop restaurant. It's well nice.
The four seasons in Tunis isn't great and not up to brand standards. Try Maison Dedine. It's a local boutique and it's excellent.
Unless you have been on a 737-600, you must fly it. Find a way!
A flew aboard an Airbus A318 in time before worldwide retirement. What a treat! It's all in the head.
You definitely want Maison Dedine, a SLH hotel, in Tunis. The four seasons has a bad location and is soulless. The Marriott ditto. Check it out.
I lived in Tunis for a while and can fully confirm that. Maison Dedine is has the most charme and the best location. FS is good but boring and far outside. Everything else is sub-standard for the respective brand, sometimes by quite a lot.
I would love this review as I've had a few different trips planned where I would have needed to fly them but none of them came to fruition. With that said, Tunis is VERY much worth a few nights and Tunisia as a whole is worth a trip. Loved it there. As others pointed out, FS is certainly not up to brand standards but the beach is great (at least it was several years ago). There are a lot of places to stay there now though.
What happened to my other comment?
It’s still there (posted around 5:11pm) with the link! (Time for a new Minute Review?)
Four Seasons in Tunis is quite nice. Do not expect any sort of beach resort in the classic sense. And it's a drive into the city for some of the cooler neighborhoods. But it's a really nice hotel all-around.
As to Air Algerie. Why? I was in CDG walking by the check-in counter last week and it was absolute chaos. Seems like needless agony. But a review is a review.
Two words: Airport cats. Take pictures mew mew =^_^=
I really enjoyed Tunis! Cute city and very friendly people. Certainly go to Sidi Bou Said for the day too! Its very close by!
Would love to see this review! You always see these low fares on Air Algerie when searching for flights between Southern Europe / Middle East and YUL, and I’ve always wondered “how bad can it be”. There aren’t that many reviews out there (at least in English) like you mentioned.
Not that I think a review like this would be *that* useful for the readers here, but it’s more of a, it’ll satisfy a...
Would love to see this review! You always see these low fares on Air Algerie when searching for flights between Southern Europe / Middle East and YUL, and I’ve always wondered “how bad can it be”. There aren’t that many reviews out there (at least in English) like you mentioned.
Not that I think a review like this would be *that* useful for the readers here, but it’s more of a, it’ll satisfy a morbid curiosity to see how they compare to the other not-so-great government-owned airlines and airports that you’ve flown haha
I have seen the Air Algerie crew in YUL frequently, and also at the hotel. They bring huge beat up suitcases with them - I suppose to take clothes/medicines/et back to Algeria.
I would take a Hard Pass on flying Air Algerie based on what I have seen with their crew
If you do decide to stay at the Four Seasons, make sure to check out Sidi Bou Said. It's right down the road and a nice place to wander around for the day.
We quite enjoyed our stay at FS Tunis, I agree Sidi Bou Said and carthage are worth a visit
I remember watching Kevin from the Flip Flop Traveller's Air Algerie business class review. It seemed like a disaster start to finish. So, yes, I would love to read your take!
Obviously! What would the fun be in a good
One-Stop connection at saver level? Ain't nobody got time for that! ;)
Yes please, take one for the team & fly Air Algerie.
I'm more intrigued about Marseille....... I'm holding my breath....
If overnighting please consider Hôtel Dieu Intercontinental Marseille. I had the best Eggs Benedict there years ago & never forgotten that. The Hotel is stunning too.
@Lucky
it was up to me, I would get off the plane in Montreal, and stopover there long enough to have a couple of Montreal smoked meat sammies.
Then have Montreal bagels for breakfast the next day.
Seems like you really want to do this, so I'd say, "go for it!" Definitely seems worth a couple of days in Tunis as well.
I really like your post about the trip and love that fare you found. I am looking at maybe doing that same trip to Tunis and the Paris with a overnight or 2 in Tunis. But here is the question I think I would need a visa to transit in Algeria and looking at that was like you said a pain. Do you know if they do evisa online or is visa with the office in person or by post?
I would do the trip. The connection in ALG to TUN seems pretty safe: If things go well, it's just a 2 hours layover, if things go bad, there is another flight in the afternoon ...
As regards the stay in Tunis, I would do two nights, given your flight to MRS departs 11am and you therefore have only little time to explore.
Anyhow, why don't you fly directly from TUN to NCE? There seem to be direct flights with Tunis Air five days per week.
In 1975 me and my girl friend hitch hiked the N. African Med hwy. (two narrow lanes covered by desert sand) from Tangiers thru Orange to Tunis. Stayed a month in Cartage and loved most of it because most of it went well. We liked Tunis. However, having since travelled the rest of most of the world, I'm not sure I'd get on an Air Algerie plane but then again I won't board an Air India either. That's what I like about Lucky, he's a good Guinea Pig.
Air force One ?
You've probably already purchased the ticket LOL. YT's 'Flip Flop Traveler' has a great review of this airline (it was TERRIBLE).
You should start scoring these carriers.
Looking forward to the review :-)
Clearly the Marriott in Tunis is just another Marriott but it lacks in local flavour otherwise, it's just "ok".
while you are going in that part of the world, I was expecting to see an MIA-YUL-ALG-ABJ-CDG-MRS itinerary (I'm actually not even sure the ALG-ABJ route exists)... I'm almost disappointed! but well we haven't seen the return itinerary :)