Budapest to Bucharest: A Review of TAROM Air Transport
About My Flight on TAROM Air Transport - Romania's Flagship Carrier
During my summer 2024 European adventure, I decided to experience TAROM Air Transport, Romania’s national carrier. My short flight from Budapest, Hungary, to Bucharest, Romania, was a delightful journey aboard an ATR-72 turbo prop aircraft.
Choosing TAROM over the budget airline Wizz Air was a simple decision for me. I’ve always been drawn to airlines that still operate propeller planes, offering a more personal and nostalgic flying experience.
I began my booking process on Google Flights to compare prices and options. While Google Flights quoted the TAROM “light fare” (which excludes a checked bag), I opted for the “saver economy” fare directly on TAROM’s website. This option included a checked bag but didn’t guarantee a specific seat. For a small fee of €11, I secured an assigned seat, ensuring a more comfortable journey. The total one-way cost was €151.
Budapest to Bucharest: A Review of TAROM Air Transport - Table of Contents
- About My Flight on TAROM Air Transport – Romania’s Flagship Carrier
- TAROM Check-In Procedures
- The Terminal, Gate, and the TAROM Boarding Process
- Onboard – TAROM ATR-72 Turboprop
- My Thoughts – Is TAROM a Good Airline?
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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TAROM Check-In Procedures - Budapest International Airport
Arriving at Budapest International Airport three hours before my TAROM flight, I headed to Terminal 2A for Schengen flights. While TAROM’s check-in counter doesn’t open until two hours prior to departure, I found a comfortable spot upstairs to enjoy the airport’s view.
As the check-in time approached, I made my way downstairs to the TAROM check-in desks. With only two desks open for the small aircraft, the process was efficient and straightforward. The agent quickly checked my passport, weighed my luggage, and handed me my boarding pass.
The Terminal, Gate, and the TAROM Boarding Process
Terminal 2A - Budapest International Airport
After clearing security, I had about twenty minutes before my gate was listed. I decided to grab something to eat from the upper-level food court at Budapest International Airport.
At the Gate - TAROM Boarding Process
The departure board announced that TAROM Flight 238 (Budapest to Bucharest) would be departing from gate A6. Arriving at the gate shortly before boarding, I was reminded of a unique feature of ATR turboprop aircraft: they cannot be boarded via a traditional jet bridge. Instead, passengers are transported to the plane by bus and board via stairs.
This boarding process meant there was no rush to be among the first to board, as everyone would eventually be on the bus for the same amount of time.
TAROM Boards the ATR Turboprops from the Rear Entrance
Additionally, TAROM’s policy of boarding the ATR turboprop from the rear meant that passengers seated in the front rows had the longest walk to their seats and the longest wait to deplane.
On Board TAROM's ATR-72 Turbo Prop
As a seasoned traveler familiar with ATR turboprop aircraft, I knew what to expect: cramped seats and limited air conditioning during taxiing. Yet, there’s an undeniable charm to these classic planes.
After finding seat 3C, I wished on the spider caught between the interior and exterior window that the seat next to me would remain empty. Unfortunately, the last passenger was assigned seat 3D, and he was a fellow large traveler. The flight was a bit cramped for both of us, with elbows occasionally bumping.
There was no in-flight service on this short flight, not even water. Only the two passengers seated in the “business class” section received a small snack and a bottle of water. While the seats were the same as those in the economy class, the empty seats next to each business class passenger made the flight more comfortable.
My Thoughts - Is TAROM a Good Airline?
While the lack of in-flight service and cramped seating were minor drawbacks, I would still recommend TAROM Air Transport. Supporting smaller, regional airlines is important to me, and TAROM offers a valuable alternative to low-cost carriers like Wizz Air on the Budapest-Bucharest route.
The majority of my experience was positive. The check-in process was efficient, boarding was straightforward, and the flight arrived on time. Overall, I believe TAROM is a good airline option, and I would gladly fly with them again.
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