Planning to fly from the South of France to Romania this year? I flew with my 15-month-old on the first Animawings flight from Nice to Bucharest on 17 April 2025, and I’m sharing everything you need to know, from booking frustrations to baby-friendly perks and the good, the bad, and the very Romanian.
This is a real Animawings inaugural flight review with all the practical info you’re probably searching for. This is NOT a sponsored review, so it’s 100% honest, including all the pros and cons of my experience. I’ll walk you through how to check in with Animawings, what the Airbus A220-300 inflight experience is like, how Animawings handles passengers with children, and my full story of flying Animawings flight AWG607 from Nice to Bucharest.
Review: Animawings Nice to Bucharest A2607 / AWG607
👉 Animawings now offers direct flights Nice to Bucharest twice per week, every Thursday and Sunday until October, so this review is especially useful if you’re flying spring to autumn.
Booking the Animawings flight from Nice to Bucharest
I usually book flights online and check in from my laptop. I avoid installing airline apps whenever possible. For this flight, I used the Animawings website, and although the process was straightforward enough, there was one big hiccup. After check-in, they don’t send your boarding pass by email.
Instead, you’re expected to access it through their system. I normally send my boarding passes to my parents via Messenger (they meet us at Otopeni and like to know everything in advance), then download them from the chat on my phone. But recently, Facebook changed how attachments work, and links now expire permanently. That’s something I hadn’t realised. When I clicked to open the PDF, it was gone. The only solution: go back to the email, get your reservation number, go to the Animawings site, load the reservation… which is pretty slow.
It’s a small thing, but worth noting if you’re like me and don’t want to download trillions of apps for all the services that you’re using. Especially since I need to get a printed boarding pass at the airport whenever I travel with my son, anyway.
👉 Download or screenshot your boarding pass as soon as you check in. Don’t expect an email (not even in spam) or a time-sensitive chat link, like me.
Flight Experience on Animawings AWG607
More than two hours before the flight, I tried contacting Animawings customer support to change my seat because I couldn’t do it online on my own. For the past few days (and nights), my son had been teething and was inconsolable. I wasn’t asking for comfort, just a quieter spot to disturb fewer people. The flight wasn’t full, so I said to myself why not?
I called, explained, mentioned what was specified online, and that I couldn’t edit on my own… And the lady on the phone hung up on me. I tried the chat. Unfortunately, their chat doesn’t show queue status or agent availability, so I had no idea if anyone was even reading what I wrote.
Eventually, someone responded. I explained that I wasn’t asking for an upgrade or special treatment. I just wanted to help them have a smooth first flight from Nice.
In the long run, it’s also in my interest that this first flight goes well and there are more flight options connecting Nice to Bucharest, since it’s a frequent route for me but also for my family and friends.
They said they could help… but only if I emailed them to cancel my check-in so they could re-check me in. However, I didn’t have time to wait for a re-check-in, and it felt risky to cancel my existing one.
By that point, I was already on a tight schedule. I had spent most of my morning either on their website trying to change my seat myself or waiting for replies from their customer support. I was worried they wouldn’t re-check me in quickly enough (or at all) and I’d miss the cutoff to check in at the airport.
The last thing I needed was to show up and be blocked at the gate because of a delay or system error.
The chat ended when I had to pack up and leave for the airport. I had already lost more time than I could afford.
👉 My first experience with Animawings support proved them unreliable and even impolite. And I was trying to help them.
Airport chaos: getting to the right terminal
We left Bagnols-en-Forêt with my mother-in-law. We headed to Nice Terminal 2, like we always do. But Animawings flights leave from Terminal 1. No signs. Nothing displayed. And, as I’ve mentioned, I left the boarding pass to be a problem for later-Mirela. That’s my bad, I know it.
Back in the car. The good news is that we were still on schedule, though it was tight to my taste. I usually have a lot of time to feed William (my son) and eat also, then change him, and even walk/play or do a bit of reading to have a less active child during the flight.
My series of unfortunate events was only beginning, however. At the parking exit, the machine wouldn’t let us pay. We tried several cards, it just wouldn’t read them. Called the help button, and after a while, they told us to back up and try another exit. We finally got out and circled back to Terminal 1.
👉 Animawings uses Terminal 1 at Nice Airport. Go straight there to avoid delays.
Check-in disaster: baby, booking errors, and barriers
At Terminal 1, the Animawings check-in counter was located at the farthest end of the hall. On the way there, we encountered a blocked-off area reserved for Qatar Airways passengers. To the right, there was an open path that looked accessible. We took it, only to be stopped by a Qatar Airways staff member who told us entry was forbidden.
She refused to let us exit through a nearby barrier, even though she could have easily opened it. Instead, she told us to go back the way we came. From what I could tell, the passage we had taken was likely left open by someone heading out on a break, because after stopping us, she locked it behind her. We had to make a long detour, all because that area hadn’t been properly blocked off in the first place.
When we finally got to the Animawings desk, things didn’t improve. They found my name in the system but couldn’t find my son, even though he was booked on the same reservation as a lap infant. By the time they located him, it was 13:01. The flight was scheduled for 13:40, but the airport’s system had already closed the check-in at 13:00 sharp. Staff tried to override it. Nothing worked.
They considered issuing a manual boarding pass, but that required confirmation from security and no one was picking up the phone. It took a while before someone finally approved my check-in. Then they returned my documents and tagged the pram so I could head to security.
👉 Even if you complete online check-in with Animawings (or any other airline), you must still visit the counter for a pram tag when traveling with a child. Arrive earlier than usual. I lost the only chance I had to feed my baby before takeoff.
Security: little to no help for rushing passengers or parents
There was no priority lane for families and no staff to assist late passengers. Just me, my baby, our pram, and all our bags. I had baby food, water, vitamin D, and other liquids, and electronics (my laptop, my watch, my phone, the electronic baby nail file, his beloved Maiasaura)… everything had to be taken out and placed into trays, one by one. And then fold the pram while handling the baby. Which I did despite annoying a security lady for taking so long. It’s not like I had a choice, you know? Luckily, a man from security offered to help when I was folding the pram.
At security, I passed through with William without any issues, unfolded the pram again, and waited for our items. My backpack came through quickly. But the rest, including all our liquids and electronics, got stuck.
I think the security staff were getting ready to go on break. I drew their attention and asked if there’s anything I can do (open bags, take things out etc.) to move things along because the check-in had already taken longer than usual, and the airline was supposed to have called ahead about us. I was running really late, and I was really stressed.
They hadn’t realised there were more trays belonging to me. And when they finally resumed checking them, they still missed one: my electronic tray with my laptop, which was left stranded for anyone to claim. I had to point it out before they handed it over.
👉 Nice Terminal 1 security is slow and inattentive. If you’re flying with children or pressed for time, factor in serious delays and don’t expect much help.
I almost missed the gate
After clearing security, I misread the gate as A02 instead of A32. I followed signs to A02, took the elevator down, and ended up in a quiet area where only a single staff member was sitting at a desk.
For a moment, I thought I had missed the flight. I asked the lady, and she calmly said Animawings hadn’t passed through that space, so I probably still had time. I took the elevator back up, and there it was: Gate A32, almost next to where I’d been all along.
Boarding and PR support
There was still a line at the gate, and a group of well-dressed people at a nearby table, probably part of the company’s PR team, present to mark the Animawings inaugural flight from Nice to Bucharest.
There was no way I could approach the desk with the pram and all the luggage. So I approached the PR group and explained that I’m the one who had been stuck at check-in, and asked if I had time to change my son before boarding. They suggested doing it on some empty chairs near the gate. I refused. I could already see the headlines and social media posts: Romanian woman changing her baby’s diaper in the middle of a French airport. I told them I’d rather go to the nearby proper changing area.
I changed him, returned to the gate, and was immediately helped again. When I returned, two of the PR ladies helped me fold the pram and pack it in its travel bag, then called someone from the crew to take the pram straight to the aircraft. One of them held William and escorted me past the queue all the way to the aircraft. I offered to take him back, but a stewardess asked if she could carry him instead and guided me to my seat.
On the way to the aircraft, they were handing out little branded welcome gifts, which I took quickly, thinking I’ll have time to have a look at them when William’s sleeping.
👉 The PR team was surprisingly helpful. I felt overwhelmed at the time, otherwise I wouldn’t have approached them. But they were genuinely nice.
Inflight experience on the Animawings Airbus A220-300
I had booked seat 14C, but now I was assigned 17A. Someone was already sitting in the aisle seat, so I explained that I’d prefer to stay there because I had a baby who might need to move. The stewardess kindly asked him to switch, and he agreed.
We were still boarding when a kind woman across the aisle pointed out two empty seats a few rows ahead. She said I could move there if I wanted more space. She and another lady helped me carry everything. That row turned out to be my original booking: 14C, and the window seat 14A was also free.
William had fallen asleep on the way to the airport, so now he was wide awake. He stood in my arms, looking out the window at the planes, the runway, and the rain. He was fascinated!
👉 Animawings Airbus A220-300 features. The Airbus A220-300 feels more spacious than older short-haul planes and the larger windows make a big difference when traveling with kids.
Feeding a toddler on board (and the surprise muffin moment)
William was hungry during takeoff, and I didn’t have access to everything I’d prepared. My spoon was in the overhead bin above our old seat, 17A. I started with a yogurt pouch, then a fruit pouch, both easy to squeeze and safe while keeping our seatbelts on.
After the take-off, we had some turbulence. When that cleared and the seatbelt sign was off, I could finally stand up and get the spoon from my bag. He finally had his veggie purée calmly, although moving around to touch everything while eating.
I was starving. After dealing with customer service and rushing through the airport, I hadn’t had anything to eat all day. I knew whatever I got, William would want some too, so I looked for something toddler-safe.
Unfortunately, all the sandwiches were gone. The only thing soft enough for him to eat was… a chocolate muffin.
It was his first time having chocolate. I gave him tiny crumbs while I ate, then he started helping himself. He devoured it. Once in a blue moon is fine, I told myself… though with Easter coming, this definitely wouldn’t be the last exception.
👉 Pre-order meals when flying Animawings, especially if you need toddler-friendly food. Options are limited once on board.
However, though they also have a nice child menu option, I don’t know if it’s suitable for small children. It’s polenta bites with crispy marinated chicken covered in popcorn, which sounds delicious, but popcorn is a massive choking hazard and not recommended by doctors to children under 5 (some even say 6). I didn’t find any information in the menu or the airline’s magazine article about their food to make me feel this is 100% safe for small kids.
Inflight entertainment: what saved us
He began to be annoyed and started crying when I told him no several times. Then, when he started feeling tired (around 40 minutes before landing), nothing was working. Not the toys, not his Popi magazines, not even singing, stories, or cuddles.
What finally calmed him down was the Animawings inflight magazine. He gently turned the pages, caressing the pictures of the stewardesses with his tiny fingers. He stayed absorbed by the images, flipping back and forth.
After a while, I actually had a chance to read as well. The magazine even featured an article about traveling with children, several articles promoting Romanian tourism and values, and even highlighted local travel bloggers. It was well curated. But there were a few jabs at Wizz Air and Tarom. Subtle, but pointed. And to be honest, well deserved.
Eventually, William’s eyes grew heavy. He fell asleep on me, while I could finish reading the magazine.
👉 Bring your own entertainment, but don’t overlook the inflight magazine. Animawings put effort into theirs, and it worked better than anything I had packed. Maybe because it was new and at the same time less stimulating, because it wasn’t meant to be entertaining for babies.
Arrival chaos: Romanian habits and toddler bruises
As soon as we landed, phones started ringing around us, even before the crew said anything. Someone nearby was already on a video call while we were still taxiing.
The moment the plane stopped, half the passengers jumped up to get their bags, although we were taking a bus to the terminal. I stayed seated, waiting for the chaos to ease, but when I finally stood up to place William in the baby carrier, two men pushed past me, and I hit his head on the overhead bin. It wasn’t bad, but it made me furious. I had waited, given space, done everything carefully, but in the rush, I couldn’t even lift him safely without being jostled.
Still, not everyone was like that. The same woman who had helped me earlier returned to assist again. She helped me recover my carrier, jacket, and backpack from above 17A. And a man saw I was struggling and helped me put on my jacket once William was strapped in.
👉 Don’t expect calm deplaning. On Romanian flights, people rush the aisles the moment wheels touch the ground. Wait for the crowds to pass if you’re flying solo with a child.
Romanians, babies, and boundaries
Once off the plane, I had William in the carrier on my chest. Several people touched his head or cheeks without asking. Strangers. Romanians. Some of them pretty young. But I really didn’t like it.
I know it’s a common gesture, meant to be affectionate, but I really didn’t like it. However, I was too tired to say anything and fight back at that point. I just wanted to meet my parents, get home, and scrub all the germs off him (and me).
Otopeni Airport and the great pram lottery
At Otopeni Airport, I didn’t see the pram at the oversized baggage zone. It had been sent with the regular luggage… again. You never know what you’ll get. Sometimes it’s on a different floor. Sometimes it takes forever. This time, we were lucky. At least it came out on the same level.
The changing areas and bathrooms were in better shape than usual, which I noticed immediately. Last time, they were so bad I didn’t even want to use them. And cockroaches were roaming around, I had to change my baby while keeping him from grabbing bugs.
👉 If you check a pram through Animawings to Otopeni, don’t assume it will be waiting for you with oversized items. But it’s Otopeni’s fault that it’s a gamble no matter what airline you’re flying.
Another time, we landed at night, and after we’d been waiting for an hour, we decided to ask the guy handling oversized luggage. We waved at him and… he hid from us behind a column to sleep on his job! (Sometimes I wonder: is it just me, or does everybody have so many bad flight / terrible airport stories?)
A moment of quiet (and shared macarons)
Back home, after a bath and a warm meal, we finally relaxed. William went to bed, and I shared the Animawings macarons with my mom. It was a sweet little reward at the end of a very tiring day. Sometimes it’s not the onboard experience, but what’s waiting at home that makes all the difference.
While I appreciated the branded welcome gifts, macarons feel more appropriate on the Bucharest to Nice leg. On the way to Romania, something more local would have made sense, maybe a mini cozonac or a savoury snack, just not anything rum-based. I love Rom, M[gura, and other traditional sweets, but I’ve seen how off-putting rum-infused treats can be for non-Romanians. I believe a thoughtful swap would go a long way.
In conclusion: is Animawings a good airline?
Yes. But they’ve still got work to do.
Compared to Wizz Air, Animawings is much better. Besides being newer, the Airbus A220-300 is roomier, cleaner, and more comfortable. You don’t pay extra for your seat. You get more space for legs and luggage. You can charge your phone.
The in-flight magazine was surprisingly good. That said, it would help to have the magazine available in French, especially on a route from France. A lot of French passengers don’t read English fluently, and from what I know and live with, they prefer things in their language. If you want to promote Romania effectively to this audience, French-language content is a must.
Returning to the subject at hand, the staff on the ground, especially during boarding, were kind, helpful, and present. The onboard staff, as well.
However, I should mention that while I was doing my best to stay calm and flexible despite all the setbacks, I noticed something odd. Other passengers around me, who hadn’t faced the same obstacles, were far more vocal in their complaints. They were quick to judge every small hiccup, even though many of them had a smoother experience than I did. That contrast stood out to me.
It was a new route, maybe new software, new rules and regulations. I don’t know, I haven’t been in their shoes. But I do know that implementing a new process doesn’t always go as planned, and staff need to adapt and try to make the best of a situation. And I think Animawings did their best at the airport and during the flight.
But their customer service? Not great, and that’s actually the one thing that worries me. When I called to try to help them offer a smoother experience, I got hung up on. That makes me wonder what happens when someone calls for a complaint, a refund, or a flight cancellation under EU regulations. That’s a shadow over what was otherwise a good experience.
👉 Animawings offers a more comfortable flight than low-cost competitors, but don’t rely on support staff when things go wrong.
Would I fly Animawings from Nice to Bucharest again?
Yes. Even with everything that went wrong, I felt supported once I reached the airport. The flight itself was more comfortable than I expected, and flying solo with a toddler didn’t feel like a struggle once I was on the plane.
My husband will be flying with Animawings from Nice to Bucharest soon, and we’ll be flying back to Nice together a week later. We’ll probably order food in advance this time, just to be sure.
If you’re planning to book a direct Animawings flight from Nice to Bucharest, especially with kids, it’s a solid choice, as long as you know what to expect.
👉 Animawings airline gets a lot right, but you need to plan ahead. For these direct flights Nice Bucharest, show up early, pre-order meals, and be prepared for a few hiccups. That makes all the difference.
About the Author
I’m Mirela Letailleur, the voice behind The Travel Bunny. I write detailed, honest travel stories with a focus on slow travel, cultural connection, and navigating the world with a child in tow. I’m based in France, originally from Romania, and you’ll often find me sharing the highs, the lows, and everything that goes wrong (and right) when you’re a parent who still wants to explore. No fluff, no sponsored praise, just real experiences from the road, the airport, and everywhere in between.
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