Olympic AirlinesOA

DEFUNCT AIRLINE: Olympic Airlines ceased operations on September 29, 2009. This guide provides historical information. For current travel, refer to Aegean Airlines, Greece's current flag carrier and Star Alliance member.

Olympic Airlines was the flag carrier of Greece and one of Europe's most storied airlines, known for its iconic Olympic rings livery and warm Greek hospitality. Originally founded as Olympic Airways by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1957, the airline carried the spirit of Greek aviation for over five decades until its demise in 2009.

At its peak, Olympic served approximately 40 destinations worldwide from its Athens hub, connecting Greece to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, North America, Africa, and Asia. The airline was particularly vital for linking the Greek mainland to the country's numerous islands, providing essential connectivity to remote communities.

Olympic joined Star Alliance in 1999, becoming the first Greek carrier in a global airline alliance. However, years of government ownership, mounting debts, and failed privatization attempts ultimately led to its closure. The airline's brand lived on briefly through Olympic Air (a new carrier), which was later acquired by Aegean Airlines in 2013.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION: The policies below reflect Olympic Airlines' final baggage rules before cessation. For current policies, see Aegean Airlines.

Carry-On Allowance (Final 2009 Rules)

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in)
• Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) maximum
• Economy: 1 bag
• Business/Olympian Class: 2 bags

Checked Baggage (Historical)

Economy Class:

Route	Bags	Weight
Domestic Greece	1	20 kg (44 lbs)
European	1	20 kg (44 lbs)
Intercontinental	2	23 kg (50 lbs) each

Business Class (Olympian Class):

Route	Bags	Weight
Domestic/European	2	30 kg (66 lbs) each
Intercontinental	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Star Alliance Benefits (while active):

• Star Alliance Gold members received additional baggage allowance
• Priority baggage handling at Olympic lounges

Cabin Classes

Olympic offered two cabin classes on most routes:

Olympian Class (Business):

• Lie-flat seats on A340 transatlantic routes
• 2-2-2 configuration on widebody aircraft
• Premium Greek wines and spirits
• Multi-course meals featuring Greek cuisine
• Amenity kits on long-haul flights
• Dedicated cabin crew service
• Athens lounge access

Economy Class (Oikonomiki):

• Standard 3-3 configuration on narrowbody aircraft
• 2-4-2 on A340
• Seat pitch: 31-32" (typical for era)
• Complimentary meals on all flights
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Personal audio entertainment on long-haul

The Olympic Experience

Olympic was known for several distinctive elements:

Greek Hospitality: Cabin crew were renowned for warmth and personal attention, embodying philoxenia (love of strangers) - the Greek tradition of hospitality.

Greek Cuisine: In-flight meals featured traditional Greek dishes:

• Moussaka and pastitsio
• Greek salads with feta cheese
• Spanakopita and tiropita
• Greek wines and ouzo
• Baklava and loukoumades desserts

Onboard Atmosphere: The airline maintained a distinctly Greek character, from the blue-and-white cabin interiors to the playing of Greek music during boarding.

Island Connectivity: Olympic was essential for Greeks and tourists traveling to islands with limited infrastructure - some destinations only accessible by Olympic flights.