Is Sri Lankan Airlines REALLY THAT BAD in 2023? | Colombo to Kuala Lumpur | Business Class Review

Join the AussieJetSetter as I review for the first ever time my own inaugural experience flying Sri Lankan Airlines in Business class on their trusty ol' Airbus A320 aircraft in Business Class on a recent flight with them between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur back in September 2023. Having heard much noise in the media and social media in recent years about the Sri Lankan Government owned flag carrier being supposedly in a downward spiral towards oblivion and bankruptcy which also raised questions of its safety, service standards and reliability I was curious to find out for myself if this really is the case in 2023. So when I booked my epic 2 week trip around Sri Lanka earlier in the year I made it my top priority to end my amazing trip around Sri Lanka by experiencing what the national airline was really like for myself! In all fairness to Sri Lankan whilst I had heard plenty of bad publicity about a once highly reputable airline now rapidly falling in decline there were however contrarian opinions amongst a barrage of criticism that praised the airline particularly in terms of its soft product such as catering and service lauding the carrier for its authentic Sri Lankan hospitality in-particular. On top of this contrarian praise Sri Lankan Airlines is also a One World Alliance member making one to question really could an airline in such supposed decline really live up to the standards of being an elite grouping of airlines?

Well there was only one way for me to find out and that was by booking myself on Sri Lankan Airlines itself! Sure I could have could have flown Air Asia back to KL like I did on the way to Colombo it probably would have only cost $150 including all the optional extras and Batik Air would have not been much more but instead I with much excitement outplayed a relatively expensive $383 AUD to book an economy class fare but closer to departure I was invited to bid for a upgrade to business which was an offer I was more than too happy to have a crack at! Putting in an almost minimum bid of $230Aud or 48,00LKR I was notified several days prior that it was successful! So with this review I was already eager to review the Sri Lankan full service economy class experience but now I'm pleased I I can offer a comprehensive assessment of the Sri Lankan Airlines A320 Business Class experience.

In this review I therefore will put Sri Lankan Airlines Business Class to a comprehensive and complete test to find out what really the state of flying with them in 2023 is like. In the review I first look at the ground handling experience at Colombo Airport before progressing to check out Sri Lankan's flagship Serendib Lounge. After a few hours experiencing the lounge its then time to board our A320 taking us to KL whereby I will offer my thoughts based on my experience on this 3.5 hour flight of the business class recliner seats, the in-flight entertainment and of course what many say to be the redeeming quality of Sri Lankan Airlines which is the onboard catering and authentic local hospitality.Finally, I will also offer my overall own thoughts on the state of the airline, the value for money of this flight (and whether bidding for an upgrade is worth it and at at what price) and then my AussieJetSetter Score Index for this flight.

In this review you'll experience:
00:00 Pre Flight Introduction
04:10 Route Information
04:30 Arrival and Check in at Colombo Airport
08:00 Serendib Lounge Review +Aircraft Information
14:10 The Broken Down Sri Lankan Airlines Tractor!
16:00 Walk to the gate/ Colombo Airport views
17:00 Boarding and A320 Seating and configuration +Pre Departure Drinks and service
20:30 Pushback and takeoff
23:00 Inflight Entertainment
26:30 Inflight Meal Service
28:00 Sri Lankan Airlines High Tea Service
28:40 Thoughts on Recliner Seats and Amenities
30:30 In flight Drink Offerings
32:30 Preliminary Thoughts on Business Class Experience and What it Cost me
36:00 Landing into KL
38:30 Disembarkation, Final Thoughts and AussieJetSetter Score Index

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[charusabharwal]

"I was appalled by the behavior of *Jayatilake Chamindra*, a cabin crew member on the *Sri Lankan Airlines flight Ui-195 from Colombo to Delhi on September 7th, 2024*. He seemed unable to communicate effectively with passengers and resorted to shouting 'go back' at someone, when a polite request would have sufficed. I've never encountered a crew member who *was so rude and inarticulate*, especially when they're expected to be courteous and composed."

[eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

Should be there microwave oven in lounge 😂❤.for cool foods.

[shin]

Incredible commentary on the malfunctioned Sri Lankan Airlines tractor 😂

[thewindowseat]

Excellent review! Getting Business class with the minimum bid is always satisfying! 🎉

[ven.weerakodiyanenandarath]

it looks Soft landing. I think you will fly with Sri Lankan airline again

[eshikaudayanawanigasekara]

We will like to see another 15 years ahead Colombo capital...