In the video “Rubbing shoulders with the Tajikistan national football team on Somon Air,” Noel Philips takes us on a flight experience with Tajikistan’s National Airline, Somon Air. He starts in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and flies to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on a Boeing 737-900. Philips highlights the reputation of Somon Air for being frequently delayed but hopes for an on-time flight. He gives a detailed tour of the aircraft’s interior, specifically focusing on the economy class seats. During the flight, Philips also mentions the presence of the Tajikistan national football team. He explores the beautiful city of Dushanbe and encounters a crowded passport control at the airport. Philips concludes by expressing overall satisfaction with the flight experience and recommending Tajikistan as a hidden gem destination.
On the next leg of his journey, Philips boards another Somon Air flight to Istanbul, Turkey. He admires the classiness of the flight attendants’ uniforms and the beauty of the airline’s livery. The flight duration is 5 hours and 11 minutes, cruising at 34,000 feet. Philips expresses admiration for Tajikistan and its clean and beautiful city, Dushanbe. He mentions that the in-flight entertainment system is only available in the front of the plane. Philips enjoys the breakfast served onboard and has a conversation with a nine-year-old fellow passenger. The flight offers stunning views during the descent into Istanbul. He concludes by expressing his overall satisfaction with the flight experience and recommending Tajikistan as a hidden gem destination.
Somon Air: Tajikistan’s National Airline
Somon Air is the national airline of Tajikistan, providing air travel options for both domestic and international destinations. However, one aspect of Somon Air that is widely known among travelers is its frequent delays. It is not uncommon to see Somon Air flights listed on departure boards with significant delays, sometimes even up to 12 hours or more from the scheduled time. While this can be frustrating for passengers, it is worth noting that Somon Air is working to improve its punctuality.
Once on board, passengers can expect a comfortable and stylish interior. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, which feature a vibrant blue retro design in economy class. The seats are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer a comfortable and squishy seating experience. In economy class, passengers can enjoy a nice view over the wing, while those in business class can enjoy the added luxury of a 2-2 configuration seating arrangement.
Flying from Almaty to Dushanbe
Flying from Almaty, Kazakhstan, to Dushanbe, Tajikistan offers passengers the opportunity to witness stunning views along the way. As the aircraft climbs out from Almaty, passengers are treated to breathtaking scenery and a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. Despite some turbulence during the climb, the comfortable seats in economy class provide a pleasant journey.
On one particular flight, passengers had the chance to rub shoulders with the Tajikistan National Football Team. The team had just played a match in Kyrgyzstan and was traveling back home to Tajikistan. This unexpected encounter added a touch of excitement to the journey and made it truly memorable for both football enthusiasts and those who appreciate the thrill of a chance encounter with famous individuals.
Exploring Dushanbe
Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan, offers a wealth of captivating architecture for visitors to explore. From the moment you arrive in Dushanbe, you are greeted with stunning architectural marvels that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The city boasts a mix of modern and traditional designs, blending seamlessly to create a unique atmosphere.
However, it’s worth noting that the passport control at Dushanbe International Airport can be quite crowded, especially during peak travel times. Patience is key when dealing with the lines and ensuring a smooth entry into the country. Once through passport control, travelers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Dushanbe and all it has to offer.
For fans of Noel Phillips, a popular travel vlogger, Dushanbe holds a special treat. The city features an availability of Noel merch at a local store. For those interested in purchasing exclusive Noel merch, a visit to the store is a must. The merch store offers a wide range of products, allowing fans to commemorate their trip to Dushanbe and support their favorite travel vlogger.
Boarding the Somon Air Flight to Istanbul
Boarding the Somon Air flight to Istanbul is an experience that showcases the class and beauty of the airline. The flight attendants’ uniforms exude elegance and professionalism, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall travel experience. The airline’s livery, a stunning combination of green and cream, enhances the visual appeal of the aircraft both inside and out.
The flight itself has a duration of approximately 5 hours and 11 minutes, with the aircraft cruising at an altitude of 34,000 feet. During this time, passengers have the opportunity to admire not only the beauty of Tajikistan but also the city of Dushanbe from above. The clear skies and clean landscape make for a breathtaking sight, providing passengers with a unique perspective of the country they have just explored.
However, it is important to note that the in-flight entertainment options on Somon Air are limited, with the entertainment system only available in the front of the plane. This means that passengers in economy class may not have access to a wide selection of entertainment options. Nevertheless, the scenic views outside the window more than make up for this.
To satisfy the hunger of passengers on the flight, Somon Air serves a delicious breakfast onboard. The presentation of the breakfast is top-notch, with attention to detail and a focus on providing a tasty and satisfying meal. Passengers can enjoy their meal while marveling at the beauty of the surroundings from above, making for a truly enjoyable experience.
Conversation with a Nine-Year-Old Passenger
While onboard the Somon Air flight, I had the pleasure of striking up a conversation with a delightful nine-year-old passenger. We chatted about our respective travels and shared stories about our favorite destinations. It was refreshing to hear the perspective of a young traveler and the enthusiasm they had for exploring new places.
This interaction served as a reminder of the power of travel to connect people from different backgrounds and ages. It was a heartwarming experience that added another layer of enjoyment to the flight and made the journey more memorable.
Stunning Views during Descent into Istanbul
As the Somon Air flight descended into Istanbul, passengers were once again treated to stunning views. The approach allowed for panoramic vistas of the city, showcasing its unique blend of ancient and modern architecture. The sight of Istanbul from above is truly breathtaking and serves as a reminder of the beauty that awaits visitors on the ground.
Conclusion
Overall, my experience flying with Somon Air was highly satisfying. Despite the airline’s reputation for frequent delays, my flights were on time, allowing for a seamless travel experience. The interior of the aircraft, particularly in economy class, was both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
The journey from Almaty to Dushanbe provided stunning views and unexpected encounters with the Tajikistan National Football Team, adding an element of excitement to the trip. Exploring Dushanbe allowed me to immerse myself in captivating architecture and discover the availability of Noel merch, making the city even more memorable.
Boarding the flight to Istanbul showcased the classiness of Somon Air, from the flight attendants’ uniforms to the beautiful livery of the aircraft. The flight itself provided breathtaking views and a delicious breakfast onboard.
Engaging in conversation with a nine-year-old passenger reminded me of the joy of connecting with fellow travelers and sharing experiences.
Finally, the descent into Istanbul offered stunning views of the city, leaving a lasting impression.
I highly recommend experiencing Somon Air for yourself and considering Tajikistan as a hidden gem destination. Despite its frequent delays, the airline provides a pleasant travel experience with beautiful cabin interiors and attentive service. As for the cost of the flight, it was priced at £482 or approximately $582, offering excellent value for the quality of service and experience provided.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Tajikistan and the wonders it has to offer, both in terms of captivating architecture and breathtaking landscapes. Plan your trip, book your flight with Somon Air, and embark on a memorable adventure in this hidden gem destination.