Travel in Ukraine

[Richard]

... in response to Yes, I've Taken AutoLux Several Times . ..., posted by Dan on Jan 16, 2003

I've got a tolerance of about 20 hours on a Greyhound. (Roughly equal to Philadealphia to either Chicago or St Louis.

Does the Autolux allow the passengers to disembark at fuelling stops?

[Philb]

... in response to Re: Can anyone compare Autolux to Greyho..., posted by Richard on Jan 16, 2003

Here is what I have read.  They serve tea and sandwichs.  They have a steward/stewardess.  They serve drinks (alcohol) for a fee.  They stop frequently and allow passengers to get of and relieve themselves, stretch etc..

[Philb]

... in response to Yes, I've Taken AutoLux Several Times . ..., posted by Dan on Jan 16, 2003

[This message has been edited by Philb]

First should it be Luhansk instead of Lugansk (Ukrainian sp./ Russian sp.)?  I have never flown domestic flights in Ukraine but have several times in Russia.  I would assume that the wght. limits on luggage are similar.  This has always been a problem since I typically have about 75lbs vs. the 55 lbs allowed on Russian domestic flights and as you know the penalty can be a bit stiff.  The other thing I am wondering about is reliability.  I have read that flights into Luhansk are frequently canceled if x number of tickets are not sold.  Any thoughts?  As far as the comfort factor I think plane all the way :-)  By the way, my final destination on this portion of the trip is Antratsit.

[Dan]

... in response to About planes to Lugansk, posted by Philb on Jan 16, 2003

Philb;

You are correct that domestic flights will restrict your checked baggage to no more than 20 kg (44 pounds). Excess baggage charges can, indeed, be quite stiff - the last time I paid something approaching $10 USD per extra kg.

If that is a major consideration, then your circumstances (were it me) are narrowing the choices down to rail travel - not at all a bad option BTW. Just be sure to reserve a 1st-class compartment and purchase both berths so that you travel alone in the compartment. Do NOT relent to the requests you'll receive for someone to stay in the other berth with you - no matter how nice she may look --smile--.

As for the reliability of the AC, I've flown on Antonov (AN-24), Topolev (TU-154) and on Yakovlev (Yak-42) aircraft. All seemed serviceable enough and to my eye (I hold a Commercial and Instrument Pilot ratings), they seemed OK. The AN (turboprop) was more comfortable than the others.

It is true that sometimes flights will not depart if they do not have sufficient number of paying passengers. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. I suspect Luhansk (Ukrainian transliteration) is popular enough that it is a very rare problem - but I am not certain.

BTW - this baggage restriction is true for ALL intra-European flights - not only intra-Ukraine. Since the international weight allowances are much more generous (2 75# pieces per pax), you are wise to plan your travels accordingly.

- Dan

[Jack]

... in response to Travel in Ukraine, posted by Philb on Jan 16, 2003

Go Autolux!  No comparison.

[Philb]

... in response to Re: Travel in Ukraine, posted by Jack on Jan 16, 2003

by the way I plan on contacting Honest Jack Bragg ;-) about a few details in the next week or two.

[Jack]

... in response to Thanks and..., posted by Philb on Jan 16, 2003

You holler buddy, we'll take care of you as well as add any and all back-up plans you might need.