More Customer Horror Stories About Arik Airline

@ArikRefunds

I sympathize with the passengers, no one should have to go trough this. Airlines need to take a hard and fast look at their quality of service and remedy any short comings without delay.

i nearly died of food poisoning on arik air. i had to be rushed off to hospital on arival from london to abuja in an ambilance.

I was bed riden for 3 days of my stay in nigeria, it was so bad that on my arrival back to london i was taking by an ambulance to a hospital in london to recieve further treatment. This ruined my easter break. I am aware that another passenger on the plane had food poisoning by the name of Femi Baba. Please get in touch as I was informed in the hospital in Abuja that I was not the only pasenger with Food poisoning on the plane.

This was the worst pain I have ever expeienced. My internal organ got inflamed and bruised that i couldnt walk. I vommitted so hard I lost conciousness. I cried for help for 6 hrs on the plane. all they did was give me antacid. which i threw up wenever I had it. They could not divert the plane. this was real horofic. I really cannot express enough the kind of pain I went through. and yet these people canot do the decent thing of refunding me my cost and the days i lost out on work in the uk

Arik air ignored my complaints. afer several emails to customer services in ngeria they have ignored me and not replied. i need to get the address to the director in london. can anyone please forward details to josephmartins@hotmail.com
Thanks

I do not agree with you. You must understand that people need to tell the truth when there is an issue. You should know that the reasons why the previous Nigerian carriers are no more is because of shabby services like the one arik is currently offering. No where in the world would a reputable company display something that is false on its website. It’s a big shame for Arik and Nigeria as a whole. If you are a patriotic Nigerian should always condemn bad service and be in the forefront of promoting internationally acceptable standards. Unless you are advising all Nigerians to settle for mediocre service, which in the long run would ruin arik..

@ Prince Lanre Balogun, no one is saying you cannot celebrate whatever good experience you have had with this airline. However do let whatever critism they deserve rain on them from customers who have experienced what you did not please.

"Buy Nigeria" (whatever that means)in doing so does not imply that you take shit. Nigerian businesses lack what is called EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE. It is always profit over customer and not the other way round, this is sad. I do not see this sham airline competing with established and reputable ones, never. Anything Nigerian is always PROBLEMATIC so I tend to stay well away.

I fly arik regularly internally and the following is true.
- Buying a ticket is a simple process.. it is so easy computers do for people!!
- GATT is a disgrace and anyone that runs an airline that thinks that passengers should be treated that way is dangerous.
- Full on ground/ empty in air - ive always noticed that I get told that flights are full, but when you get onto the flight, it is empty. arik what is that about? you must be money laundering or losing a huge amount of cash.
- International Flights - like most things nigerian.. the bullshit we accept at home doesnt travel.. the only reason you complained is because of the international standards set by BA, Virgin, KLM etc etc.. arik simply cannot cut it. for me their inability to provide a simple sainsburys or marks and spencer quality meal in business class is too much!!
- Pricing - i flew arik to london and paid as much as a BA ticket and it was awful.. delays, bad food, no drinks, no entertainment etc etc ..now i wouldnt mind but the plane was half full (meaning i was lucky to get on) or if the ticket was half the price (i go manage!). the issue is that one pays top dollar to be lied to and gets bad service.

arik a few things i would recommend:
1/ theres a great book written by a chap call Hirschman called Exit, Voice and Loyalty. worth reading arik chappies before you get to complacent.

2/ load factors, pricing and sales: do something about that link because it is broken.. the flight is full story/ flight actually empty reality - cant be good for business.

3/ services: add more songs and more movies.. not hard and not expensive.. you could have had dstv in the air.. do something - paralysis is unacceptable... charge an extra USD10 for a movie seat.

4/ information staff: get folks who are dedicated to helping people around the dodgy nigerian airports - especially abuja and lagos. let them provide folks with information and support. its ok if a plane is late but communicate.

5/ mystery shoppers: have a complaints line. links staff bonuses to reduced complaints. also have mystery shoppers with phantom issues ..to continually test the system and service quality.

its not hard, but it takes commitment and care and you'll make more money. be arik.. do not try to ape virgin or BA ..you cant.. instead you should act more like a ryanair who is honest about his service offering (no business class seats on flights AT ALL - just charge an extra US$500 for biz class, i have been on arik flights when i have paid for a business class seat but there wasnt a business class!!) and pro-active and direct about service (lots of communication and a culture and salary structure that rewards staff for being good).

the issue is that as the only nigerian carrier flying these routes, you should have wrapped this up a long time ago!!

Kindest,

LagLon

When I wrote a while ago on this site, that there was something wrong with us as a people, everyone villified me. A Nigerian run airline, forced to compete with international players on a global stage found terribly wanting. BA and Virgin send their trainee rejects and yeye people to the Nigerian route and yet, they provide better service and a better flying experience than the best Nigerians can offer. The Nigerian route is not one in which the international airlines pay much service because they know that the customers and the regulatory environment would allow them do what they like and yet, they are better than Arik. If we do not accept that there is something wrong with us and our conditioning as a people, how can we ever repair ourselves. A totally broken country!!

My experience with Arikair was a memorable one for the 6 times i had fly with them from Abuja to Lagos although they folked up with me one certain time.
I fly to Kuala lumpur, Malaysia with Qatar Airways and on getting back to Lagos to board Arik local flight to Abuja i was told i had to pay N3,000 for excess luggage wish i didn't not pay a dime for on Qatar Airways but i had no choice my flight with them had already been paid for in Abuja it was only the PNR that was text to me on my arrival in Lagos, Nigeria if not, i would have fly through another airline... I wish to advice the management of Arikair to put there company in order cos you're not the only Airline in Nigeria as you know.

I have been flying in Nigeria since 1969. I recently tried and Arik flight to London. I was shocked on the Abuja London route that the wine had run out on first offers in Economy. Returning, the check in procedures and customer experience was a total disaster.

I have just arrived Abuja from Lagos on Arik - my baggae and 13 others was not loaded. There was no duty manager in abuja just a security guard to attend to irate customers.

Maybe arik is a cover for something else - it is obviously not a standard airline.

I think nobody should ever

Its not just Arik but most of the local airlines that have very poor customer service. They think service ends with getting to the customer to their destination by anymeans.

check www.woahnigeria.wordpress.com. There are blogs on customer service in Nigeria.

I am very proudly Nigerian. I flew Virgin Nigeria on London-Lagos route until the curtain dropped. Since then I have used Arik on this same route at least six times (return)
While the experiences read here are flabbergasting, I am sure Arik notes them
Please give it another chance. It is the only international airline we can call our own now. "Buy Nigeria"
Please I apologise in their behalf.
It's me "One happy customer"
Prince Lanre Adegun

Ah, Mr Ahmed Abdulahi,I have only just seen your response to my comments. It is interesting to note that you take exceptions to being berated, whereas you had no qualms casting aspersions on the character of an individual completely unknown to you, and insinuating that he 'thrives' through corrupt means!
I am not sure what in my comments are pointers to a psychosomatic condition, unless of course you are a quack doctor. Or perhaps you were so infuriated that you couldn't help resorting to words of which meaning you have little grasp.
Although you say you read my comments critically, you obviously did not do the same to your own initial comments. That is the reason you fail to see that yours was anything but civil to the writer of the main article, and so warranted the comments it got.
By the way, your recent comments reveal a narrow view of issues. You wouldn't say because cheating is rampant in our education system today that all those who have gone through it are substandard. That would be false because many graduates of Nigerian schools have gone to other climes and bested their peers in various academic fields! Nobody disputes that corruption is endemic in this country. What is completely untrue is that everyone is embroiled with it. There are more than a handful in this same Nigeria who have gotten their jobs solely on merit, and are honestly (in the very 'brutal' and 'universal' sense) pursuing their careers, and are thus being rewarded handsomely so much that they can afford to fly first or business class, and should therefore expect to get whatever service they paid for with their hard-earned monies!
To come to think of it, you ought not to have felt slighted by my response; it was your comments rather than you that I referred to as 'hare-brained'. There is a whole world of difference. The comments might have come from an otherwise profound mind, but perhaps befuddled by whatever constraints.

I have no bias against ARIK whatsoever, But i have an experience to share too, while i and a friend were aboard ARIK from Abuja to Lagos, I have the flight numbers , Will post them if asked to.

1. The flight was supposed to be for 5pm, but we eventually boarded at about 6:30pm and took off about 27min later.

2. Before the plane took off, the entire passenger cabin was very hot. If not for the rain that fell that afternoon, i am very sure we all may have roasted before we arrived Lagos. I am yet to know if its a strategy aimed at reducing Aviation Fuel consumption just like some of our local land transport lines do. We only experienced some level of cooling only when we were airborne. That lasted for about 20min before the vents began blowing out normal fan breeze.

3. I felt it was particular with just that flight, not until we left Lagos on the Sunday of that same weekend after a bad trailer crushing experience on the Lagos Ibadan express-way. Flight was for 4:00pm, but we boarded at about 5pm. This flight was the hottest i have ever flown in my entire life. Passengers were practically fanning themselves thru-out the entire trip. I then asked my friend if something wasn't wrong with these pple, There again, Nigerians as we always do kept mute and grumbled in their inner-most, lifting and tilting the air ducts/vents to face them directly so they could at least get some fan air and avert suffocation.

4. We landed Abuja safely (Most important)

5. My mum must have been in the same flight with LENNOX, that Thursday. Herself and my sister were bound for the UK. Flight was for 11am that Thursday. I dont know if they took off at the scheduled departure time, but i was amazed to see her call at about 3pm of that same day while i was still in the office. Before i picked the call, looked at the clock in the office and counted the hours. In my mind i said "This isn't possible" did they use a Concorde? To my amazement, they were still in Nigeria. They had taken off, and had gotten to somewhere around Kano when they were told that the plane had developed technical problems and had to return to Abuja. What did u expect Nigerian passengers to do "PRAYERS". They were on their way back to Abuja when they (ARIK) informed them again that Abuja's Airport didn't have equipments to fix the issues, and moreover wouldn't have had enough materials to combat any fire or disaster that may occur. NAIRALANDERS!! the pilot flew them in the ill fated plane to Lagos, and hovered around for hours to burn off fuel before he eventually landed the air-craft. The information i got from my Mum was that not even a fly from ARIK came to sympathize with them or apologize for the embarrassment & fear.

An hour later, they were yet to take off to the UK with another flight. But we thank God, that another air-craft was finally provided and they arrived the UK successfully.

This write-up is from my personal experience and that of my mum, Whoever flies local routes with other airlines who dont charge as high as Arik will give u a good climate. I am not concluding, but reports from people will tell if Arik is ready for business in Nigeria.

Thank you,

I have no bias against ARIK whatsoever, But i have an experience to share too, while i and a friend were aboard ARIK from Abuja to Lagos, I have the flight numbers , Will post them if asked to.

1. The flight was supposed to be for 5pm, but we eventually boarded at about 6:30pm and took off about 27min later.

2. Before the plane took off, the entire passenger cabin was very hot. If not for the rain that fell that afternoon, i am very sure we all may have roasted before we arrived Lagos. I am yet to know if its a strategy aimed at reducing Aviation Fuel consumption just like some of our local land transport lines do. We only experienced some level of cooling only when we were airborne. That lasted for about 20min before the vents began blowing out normal fan breeze.

3. I felt it was particular with just that flight, not until we left Lagos on the Sunday of that same weekend after a bad trailer crushing experience on the Lagos Ibadan express-way. Flight was for 4:00pm, but we boarded at about 5pm. This flight was the hottest i have ever flown in my entire life. Passengers were practically fanning themselves thru-out the entire trip. I then asked my friend if something wasn't wrong with these pple, There again, Nigerians as we always do kept mute and grumbled in their inner-most, lifting and tilting the air ducts/vents to face them directly so they could at least get some fan air and avert suffocation.

4. We landed Abuja safely (Most important)

5. My mum must have been in the same flight with LENNOX, that Thursday. Herself and my sister were bound for the UK. Flight was for 11am that Thursday. I dont know if they took off at the scheduled departure time, but i was amazed to see her call at about 3pm of that same day while i was still in the office. Before i picked the call, looked at the clock in the office and counted the hours. In my mind i said "This isn't possible" did they use a Concorde? To my amazement, they were still in Nigeria. They had taken off, and had gotten to somewhere around Kano when they were told that the plane had developed technical problems and had to return to Abuja. What did u expect Nigerian passengers to do "PRAYERS". They were on their way back to Abuja when they (ARIK) informed them again that Abuja's Airport didn't have equipments to fix the issues, and moreover wouldn't have had enough materials to combat any fire or disaster that may occur. NAIRALANDERS!! the pilot flew them in the ill fated plane to Lagos, and hovered around for hours to burn off fuel before he eventually landed the air-craft. The information i got from my Mum was that not even a fly from ARIK came to sympathize with them or apologize for the embarrassment & fear.

An hour later, they were yet to take off to the UK with another flight. But we thank God, that another air-craft was finally provided and they arrived the UK successfully.

This write-up is from my personal experience and that of my mum, Whoever flies local routes with other airlines who dont charge as high as Arik will give u a good climate. I am not concluding, but reports from people will tell if Arik is ready for business in Nigeria.

Thank you,

dats arik for you .. i missed my flight out of the country becos they could not pay FAAN.i booked my ticked 7am in benin for 1pm flight to lagos only to get to the airport around 12.30pm to be told theyb are grounded. my grouse with them is that why didnt they tell they woukld be able to fly when i booked my ticket in the morning...this what u get from these thiefs who have stolen our money to run biz.

 I had same experience. but not with business class. I flew economy class and when i requested for food, they told me sorry it has finished. Reason been that i was sleeping when they served food. I swore never to fly Arik again.

I have had cause to fly arik on local routes a couple of times and i must confess, inspite of myself, the flights were fine...Now i have reason to believe i made a good choice by flying Lufthansa on my last trip to the UK instead of arik...it seems ariks int'l flights are a no-go area. I have decided to aviod arik's int'l flight until whenever the mgt decides to put customers first.

Arik is doing well. Lay off them, all you who are disgrunted with things generally. LOOK at yourself, pointing fingers. See where the rest of YOUR fingers are pointing!
You criticise from morning to night, yet when YOU are given the chance to DO your duty, you are NOT better than those who are sticking it out and trying their best at home. Nobody is good enough for you. Nobody, No Company, NOTHING. Then you wonder why there IS corruption. We lost all our national carriers and now that ONE is trying to survive, Nigerians are the first to CONDEMN it. Give it a rest NOW.

SORELY, YOU MUST BE SORE. ABI i LIE?

Arik air should have known by now that they are heading for a distress for offering lukewarm services to their customers. No be witch they cause this one. Na from their hand. No body pays his hard earned money to you and not get required service (s) in return. That era is forever gone.

It is rather unfortunate.

While I agree with your general comment that there are those in dire poverty in Nigeria and therefore of more urgent concern than a man who can afford business class, the contempt with which this writer was treated by an airline he'd paid should still concern us. Fact is, Arik like all Nigerian enterprises treat their passengers/customers with contempt. It's this contempt that anyone in a position of power holds for those on the receiving end in all situations that has led to the dire conditions of those picking up food from the bins. When we sort out little situations like Arik not treating each person like a fellow human created in the image of God, then we'll sort out the big situations that mean we care for all other persons regardless of how weak or powerless we perceive them. I don't think this gentleman cheated by Arik is particularly rich or privileged. I think he's a regular Joe who bought a ticket and rightfully expected to be treated with honesty and respect. SR is right to publish. And Arik should be renamed 419 Airways. the guy cheated here deserves as much sympathy as those in Ajegunle and other slums you describe.

I must confess, am truly disappointed. I fly Arik Air most times though on local routes. i never had cause to complain. May be i was just fortunate to have flown on the few flights without issues. If the mgt of Arik has EARs.....they should listen to their customers and take immediate corrective actions. For the staff....they should see the position they occupy today as an avenue to make positive contribution rather than see themselves as thin gods. There are millions better qualified Nigerians wishing to have half the opportunity they are toying with.

The mgt of Arik should wake up from their slumber and face the reality on ground. If they think they are more important than the customers they are serving.......then.....doom is near.....I hope they will be wise enough to do the right thing nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww............

How many times have I called you. If your managemenis is listening, better do something now to redeem your image. I had already decidec I will not fly Arik air long since my experience in 2009. Just last month, my wife's experience with the Arik local flight Lagos to Warri was also very discouraging. Arik staff treat passengers like shit. they will talk to you as if they are doing you a great favour.

It is a matter of time and there will be no Arik. The hand writing is already on the wall

Greatings,

Pardon me, but for the most part, you do get exactly what you paid for.... Thus, you have to excuse me for not being perturbed by these "wolf" criers. Next time, fly Delta. :-)

Deceit appears to be the trade mark of Arik Air. Mine was refunds for a local flight in Nigeria which the airline delayed. Despite several visits to Arik's refund office at Local Airport Ikeja, nothing came out of it. I sent mail online; i did not get any reply. I wrote letter, the security guys did not allow the dispatch to enter their office premises. It is very bad. They started telling cock and bull story of expiration of time and how the staff who was handling processing of my refunds has resigned from Arik. Meanwhile, I was reliably informed by an insider that it is in the character of their staff to frustrate efforts for refunds and pocket the fund.Infact I was advised to go and create scenes and make noise in their office if I am sure I want my money back. It is a big shame.

Danfo drivers in Lagos will hand you over to another bus to convey you to your destination if they cannot refund your money. They delayed the flight which made it unnecessary for me to embark on the trip. Yet to pay refund is a problem

I hand them over to GOD of vengeance.

In 10 days we all are reading about the incompetence of the firm. I think we need to look at how the management treats their staff before considering how customer will be treated. Check out every good business around the world, the staff comes first, this is because the moment staffs are frustrated, they will definitely carry over their frustrations on every customer, even the loyal customers. All these corrupt politicians that start any firm in Nigeria are so selfish that they want to keep all their profits to the board (themselves) and pay staff peanuts; I can begin to mention them, check out LCC owned by Tinubu, Obasanjo Farms by Obasanjo, Arik Air by Odili, Notore by Ibori etc.their staff salary are nothing to write home about. So I am surprised when people trust these politicians with their lives and money. Please before on doing business with any firm in Nigeria check out the background and ensure that it has no link with all these corrupt men ruling the country, except if you too are corrupt that is when you might not regret it. Please avoid Arik Air now, before their pilots begin to crash the planes. What you are seeing now are the early warning signs.

Well thats a good advise you gave...about continuos critism which will make them to improve...GOD bless you for your understanding but will the dog not return to its vommit?...everyone[body]deserve a second chance though the experince is nothing to write home about....ARIK pls listen to the voice of the people as is the voice of GOD....EMPLOY GOD FEARING POEPLE IN YOUR REPUTABLE ORGANISATION......
DISCLAMMER....I DON'T HAVE ANY SHARE WITH ARIK AIRLINE OR ANY OF THEIR SISTER COMPANY.

I am not sore the CEO reads all the comment.
Let us not boycott Arik but with constant constructive critism they will improve.

I am not sore the CEO reads all the comment.
Let us not boycott Arik but with constant constructive critism they will improve.

I was at the Airport on Weds for a return scheduled flight back to Lagos with Air Nigeria and Was told that I came at the wrong time even though that was what was on the ticket.
I started doubting myself and checking if I am still normal till other travellers ( 2 plane loads) was told same and You can imagine the anger and frustration of eventually leaving after 4 hour delays...They claimed we showed up at a wrong time.I have never heard of something like that before.I am sure Arik,Air Nigeria and the rest,uses Afganishtan time to set local flights.