Flight report: this is how Transavia’s new Airbus A321neo flies

Transavia Netherlands will receive a total of 44 Airbus A320neos and A321neos. The exact distribution is not yet known, but the majority of the aircraft will be delivered as A321neo.

Anyone who boards the A321neo ends up in a sea of ​​green seats, just like in the Boeing 737. However, there are a lot more: 232 compared to 189. This also means that there are more cabin crew flying: 5 instead of 4.

The seats are in a 3-3 arrangement, which is also the same as on board the 737. However, the cabin of the A321neo is 20 centimeters wider, which also makes the seats somewhat larger. 2.5 centimeters to be precise. And that is noticeable.

Transavia opted for the Recaro SL3710, a so-called Slim Line seat that has a relatively thin backrest, making the space between the seats appear larger.

The backrests cannot be moved backwards. This can be annoying for travelers on long flights, but it prevents people from seeing their food and drinks slide off their table when the front neighbor sits back unannounced.

Nice detail: the Transavia logo is printed in the seats for extra recognisability.

Transavia does not (yet) offer inflight entertainment, so anyone who wants to watch a movie must use their own tablet or phone. This can be charged via USB ports, which are now available at every seat. Useful!

An advantage compared to the Boeing 737 is the fact that the A321neo has considerably larger luggage bins. Up to 8 rolling suitcases can be stored on their sides. It is only a matter of time before Transavia starts charging extra for such hand luggage, but more information about this will follow later.

In any case, storing hand luggage is a lot easier, which speeds up boarding a lot.

Anyone who uses the toilet can choose from three toilets: one in the front (suitable for disabled travelers) and two in the back. Nice detail: bird sounds can be heard in the small rooms…

Finally: the sound. That is considerably less on board the A321neo, and also on the ground. Even those sitting in a row of seats behind the wing can have a conversation without difficulty, without having to drown out the engine noise.

The general public can travel on Transavia’s A321neo from January 5, 2024. Six units must be in service during the summer season.