I unexpectedly had the chance to fly SriLankan A321neo Business Class…which was both a disappointment and a pleasure.
It was disappointing because my flight from Colombo to Kuala Lumpur was scheduled to be operated by an A330-300 with reverse herringbone seats in business class. In fact, that was a central reason I booked that early morning flight to KL instead of a late-evening flight.
But equipment changes happen…even at the last minute. What can you do? I was only notified of the equipment change when I received a boarding pass for a different seat than I had reserved. The check-in agent let me know that the aircraft would be operated by an A321neo.
Boarding began about 20 minutes late, but was very quick. Business class was only booked 4/12 and economy appeared to be about 60% full.
The seats on the A321neo are not lie-flat, but legroom is superb and recline is generous. For a 3.5 hour daytime flight, this was more than sufficient. And let me just add here I love the uniforms on SriLankan!
Breakfast orders were taken before takeoff and meals were served literally five minutes after takeoff…talk about efficient. I always thought China Airlines and EVA were efficient, but I’ve never been served a meal so quick. And my omelet was tasty as well.
By now, you probably know about the wild kid onboard. I won’t discuss him further here, except to say that kept me entertained for awhile. Beyond the kid, the only thing that was annoying was that the purser insisted I shut my window shade during breakfast and keep it closed. I choose window seats for a reason and did not appreciate being forced to keep my window shut on a short morning flight. I viewed as an excuse to dodge service. But her plan backfired – the FAs were kept very busy tending to the wild child.
> Read More: The Little Maniac On My Flight
> Read More: Rethinking The Unruly Child On My Flight
Wi-Fi was available, but too expensive to justify (data-based plan) and the IFE library was limited.
While there were not amenity kits, FAs did offer socks, eyeshades, and dental kits after takeoff.
I’d rate the pillow as average and blanket as slightly below average (for a longhaul flight).
CONCLUSION
Overall, a satisfactory 3.5-hour flight. Even though I was disappointed at the last-minute equipment change, the A321neo is a great aircraft.
Have you flown the A321neo on SriLankan?
Thanks for that review, Matthew. My husband and I are flying SriLankan in March; Bangkok – Colombo – Dubai. Both flights are aboard A321’s. We chose SriLankan (somewhat reluctantly, to be honest) because the Business Class fare is many hundreds of dollars less than what Thai and Emirates are charging, and we ultimately decided “How bad can it be?” Glad to see we should be just fine on our two relatively short flights.
You’ll be fine. Enjoy the trip!
Real question, why would shutting the window allow her to dodge service?
When it is dark, people tend to sleep, and thus need less service. And that’s exactly what the couple behind me did.