A viral social media video accusing Air Sénégal of delivering a substandard business class experience despite charging €2,400 for the ticket is drawing widespread attention and prompting renewed questions about the airline’s use of wet-leased aircraft operated by MyWay Airlines.
In the video, the passenger described the flight as “a catastrophe,” claiming the premium cabin experience fell far short of expectations associated with an international business class ticket.
Passenger Alleges Multiple Service Failures
According to the traveler, passengers were informed after boarding that essential onboard systems were not fully operational, including the aircraft’s lavatory facilities. The passenger claimed they only learned of the issue once they were already seated on the aircraft.
The traveler also criticized the condition of the business class seats, alleging they were worn and partially defective, making the journey considerably less comfortable than expected.
Entertainment was another source of frustration. Rather than using built-in seatback screens typically found in long-haul premium cabins, passengers reportedly had to scan a QR code and stream movies and music using their own smartphones.
While the onboard meal received a moderate rating of 6 out of 10, the passenger concluded that the overall experience failed to justify the premium fare, saying the overnight journey was particularly uncomfortable before the aircraft landed in France.
The traveler ended the review by advising others against booking Air Sénégal’s business class based on the experience.
Complaints Echo Previous Passenger Reviews
Although the latest allegations have not been independently verified, they resemble complaints posted online by other travelers over the past year regarding Air Sénégal flights operated by MyWay Airlines, a Georgian carrier that has provided aircraft to the Senegalese flag carrier under wet-lease agreements.
Passenger reviews on consumer platforms, including Trustpilot, have described being surprised to board MyWay-operated aircraft after purchasing Air Sénégal tickets, with several alleging that the onboard product differed significantly from what they expected.
Among the recurring complaints are:
- Limited or non-functioning in-flight entertainment systems.
- Entertainment delivered through passengers’ personal mobile devices instead of seatback screens.
- Older cabin interiors and seating.
- Service quality perceived to be below the standard expected in business class.
- Dissatisfaction with the overall value for money.
Several recent reviews specifically mention disappointment with MyWay-operated services, suggesting that concerns over the substitute aircraft are not isolated to a single passenger. Air Sénégal has also faced broader criticism unrelated to the latest viral video.
Passenger complaints filed on consumer review platforms have cited delayed departures, cancellations, baggage handling issues and poor communication during operational disruptions. Some travelers have also expressed frustration over customer service responses following flight disruptions.
While these complaints cover a range of operational issues, they contribute to a broader picture of customer dissatisfaction that has periodically affected the airline’s public reputation.
One Claim Remains Unverified
One of the most striking allegations in the viral video—that passengers were told the aircraft would operate without usable lavatories—could not be independently corroborated.
A review of publicly available passenger reports did not uncover previous verified accounts describing Air Sénégal routinely operating flights under similar circumstances. Aviation regulations governing aircraft dispatch generally require minimum operational standards for onboard facilities, meaning the specific circumstances surrounding the reported issue remain unclear.
As a result, that allegation should be understood as the passenger’s personal account rather than an established fact.
At the time of publication, neither Air Sénégal nor MyWay Airlines had publicly responded to the specific allegations made in the viral video. Should either company issue a statement addressing the claims or clarify the operational circumstances surrounding the flight, this article will be updated accordingly.
Growing Pressure on Premium Service Standards
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny airlines face as passengers use social media to document their travel experiences in real time. For premium cabins in particular, travelers often expect not only greater comfort but also consistency in service, aircraft quality and onboard amenities.
Whether the latest complaint proves to be an isolated incident or another example of wider service inconsistencies, the video’s rapid spread has renewed debate over transparency when airlines substitute aircraft and whether the premium experience delivered matches the price passengers pay.
