We recently made two domestic flights with two different companies, with only 24 hours between one flight and the other (round trip). The purpose was to cover the delivery of the first E190-E2 to an airline, at Embraer's headquarters in São José dos Campos.
As our flight was for corporate purposes and not for tourism, so without the possibility of cancellations and delays, we decided that an assessment would be ideal for the public to know how companies behave in this situation, in which the focus of the trip is punctuality.
Since then, we have made clear our preference for Guarulhos Airport on this trip, as there is a direct bus connecting the airport to São José dos Campos, the final destination of the trip.
Company: GOL Linhas Aéreas
Flight: G3 1417
Plane: Boeing 737-800 – (PR-GXM)
Order date: 03/04/2018
Open Hours: 18:05 pm → 19:50 pm
From: Brasilia (BSB)
To: Guarulhos/Sao Paulo (GRU)
PURCHASE
The purchase of the ticket was made through the airline's website, using a credit card to speed up payment confirmation. For this segment, the amount of R$ was paid 167,93, including the boarding fee of BRL 28,03.
Bag drop options and extra services such as seat assignment were not used for this flight. Because the purpose was to fly with the bare minimum, to cover an event in another city.
Due to the advance purchase of the trip, less than two weeks before the event and the flight, the price was consistent with the route, despite having found the same flight for a lower price on the same day of departure and the day before.
In my opinion, there was a lack of stability in the price charged by GOL.
CHECK IN
Check-in was carried out online approximately 18 hours before the trip, and I printed the boarding after the procedure (a digital boarding is also available).
In the same procedure, I took the opportunity to book a seat for free, which is why I checked in in advance. I was satisfied with the availability of seats, as it was a transitional flight, between the free booking and the charged one, I thought it would not be possible to go comfortably.
The assigned seat was 25F (yes, I only travel in the window lol).
EMBARKATION
Boarding went smoothly, with the printed card I was able to access the departure lounge at Brasilia Airport without any problems, and I had a considerable walk to gate 10.
As always, I waited for the engers to board, and the queue I found when I arrived at the boarding gate. In the end, I boarded calmly, showing my ID and boarding . Once on the aircraft, I managed to fit my backpack under the front seat and a suitcase in the overhead compartment.
VOO
Even with the formation of clouds that were above almost all of the Southeast and Midwest, the flight went normally. Looking at the tracking sites, it is possible to see that the flight made many detours in Minas Gerais and arriving in São Paulo, it was possible to feel this during the flight, but the on-board service was not compromised by turbulence. Plus point for the crew.
The aircraft was equipped with GOL's new leather seats, which are great for these short trips. Even tired, I didn't feel back pain and I found the recline angle adequate, compared to other companies in the country that use aircraft of the same size.
The aircraft was clean, and still without the uncomfortable headboards, as GOL's new seat pattern does not require this type of accessory, which is mandatory to avoid pest infestation on aircraft with fabric covering the seat. To ensure cleanliness, employees use a special product every time they clean the aircraft between flights.
It lacked an adjustable headrest, but the Sky Interior made up for that point, it's the best interior for an aircraft of this category, in my opinion.
As before, I reserved seat 25F, and no one took the middle seat, which is uncomfortable for most engers.
The flight left on time, and arrived ahead of schedule at Guarulhos Airport. Positive point for this type of displacement.
ON BOARD SERVICE
The in-flight service was GOL's new standard, offering snacks (the famous Mãe Terra) and drinks. There was a good availability of drinks, with two types of juices, three types of soft drinks and water, always accompanied by ice.
The snack was only 20 grams, in a salty or sweet option, such a small amount that I asked for another snack, in fact, I hadn't eaten since lunch because of Aeroflap commitments.
A purchase option was also available, but I didn't agree with the prices charged, I preferred to buy something at the airport.
ENTERTAINMENT
There is no shortage of entertainment on GOL flights, the company offers an internet system via Wi-Fi, and through the same wireless connection system it is possible to watch 6 live television channels, or on-demand content.
For the more purists there is a map showing speed, route and altitude, on your mobile device.
Internet service is paid, but the amount charged is not very high for those who plan to work during this period. But for a longer distance flight, such as international flights and flights to the Brazilian Northeast, the company could reduce the amount charged. I chose not to use the wi-fi, even though I needed to complete some publications here on the portal.
Entertainment and TV services are free and of considerably good quality. A magazine is available in the seat pocket, and you don't need to deposit a coin to read it.
The only negative point is the lack of sockets on this aircraft, which I have already praised on another occasion, because of the 110v socket that s a notebook and allows you to travel and work efficiently.
CONCLUSION
In general, the flight was pleasant, especially for a short domestic stretch, in some points GOL could improve, mainly to match the different durations of its fleet flights.
We want to point out that this flight was carried out on a corporate basis, so I didn't have time before the flight and as soon as I landed in Guarulhos I headed to São José dos Campos. The presented needs are different compared to a flight for tourist purposes.
