Tight connections, but everything worked out well in the end.
Anyone remember Mr.S., the relaxed guy at the scheduling department?. Well, no complaints here by now.
Heading west is the thing to do for today, Brittany is a white place on my routemap, Brest should be the new departure airport. No way to go without a new departed from airport.
It seems, it´s the favour of the scheduling department, by name Mr.S., to send me on quick connections, once again today. One of the not so risky looking examples, from the first view, turned out to be as close as it can be. But it´s not his fault, at least this time, so here we go.
Wednesday, 15.06.2011
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Service Air France AF 5581 operated by Airlinair
Scheduled: 06.35 // 08.00
Boarding for the first leg is printed at 06.05 am.
Yes, that´s my usual departure time today, definitely.
The cell phone alarm set for 03.30 am, on the road at 04.30 am and at the airport at 05.30 am.
Once again that suspicious red light at the construction site called car park 2 and once again no idea for me what to with it. No one else around and quickly at my usual parking spot!.
The same situation at security like yesterday, long lines, everything busy to the limits.
And me, what worked yesterday at T4 might work also today.
So it is, also the guy at the entrance recognized me, no time to wait there, through in a minute.
Originally booked is STR-LYS-STR with the return on Sunday, but Mr.S. rescheduled me for another more interesting destination during the upcoming weekend. Finally cancelled, cashed back the taxes and booked once again on some miles as a one way. 10000 miles and 50.00 Euro´s is the final fare.
Well, AF getting a bit confused with me booked twice on the same flight, one cancelled, one done, but finally it works.
OLCI shows the AT45 as scheduled, seat 12F, the last row window, no question.
Here it is from gate 312
Time enough to hit the lounge. Something new here?
Less customers and the guy at the entrance done often the morning shift, so it seems, he recognizes me from the last visit
"Sir, give me your flight details again, I will tell you when boarding start´s". Well done, nice service here at STR.
He called me, down to the gate for an ontime boarding.
By bus as usual.
I hope for a new registration, definitely
No rain today, that´s something new for me, 13 degrees and clear sky. It´s 06.40 am, close to ontime
So, this is F-GPYD, the ATR 42 series 500 like on schedule and yes, it is a new registration.
This plane is first in service with Air Littoral from 04.04.1996, leased to Tassili Airlines at 20.10.2002 and finally with Airlinair since 18.10.2004, one of 17 in the actual fleet.
Leg no. 9 for me on type
A french female FA, black hair, slim, working the cabin, I´am the last pax to board and we had a good sense together from the first view.
"Good morning, let me see you´re boarding pass, I will show you the way to you´re seat".
"Bonjour, it´s the last row window, right hand side, just around the corner".
"You´re welcome, do you really need me here or should I better stay in bed?". She answered with a surprised look.
"Sure, I know the way, but it´s better with you here on the plane, definitely!".
Runway 25 for me today. 1 hour 15 minutes to LYS.
Legroom is ok here in the last row, two seats for me, warm welcomed with a close to suits only load of 80%
Cockpit crew is from France, the captain with a very nice welcome during boarding, also in german language.
"Consignes de securite"
The very nice young FA noticed me reading my Bretagne travel book.
"Do you travel to Bretagne today, I see you´re book?".
"Yes, it will be only a short stay, but it´s my first time there".
She is born in the Bretagne and showed me here place on the map. We talked about Bretagne, the weather forecast, the frequent and fast weather changes and my intentions today.
Super nice service here on Airlinair.
The good looking actual AF magazine
Service is coffee, water and a brioche for free.
Cabin view, oldfashioned dark blue leather seats, clean so far
Nice weather along the route to LYS.
The captain is on the speakers again with real detailed infos. We´re cruising via GVA at maximum 23000 feet
Wing view
Not long after the last picture we´re approaching LYS.
The captain again with arrivals informations and a nice goodbye, impressive.
2670 meters asphalt or runway 36R is sure enough for us to come in to LYS. It´s 07.50 am, ten minutes ahead to schedule and the temperature is 16 degrees, cloudy here.
Parked in front off the AF regional terminal, a very nice goodbye from the FA and shortly inside.
The first leg done ontime, ready to go for the next on the list today.
No complaints till now with Mr.S., sitting relaxed in his comfy armchair, a glas of champagne in hand, a la francaise and following me again today.
Wednesday, 15.06.2011
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Service Air France AF 5791 operated by Brit Air
Scheduled: 08.40 // 10.15
Quick connections, you know, scheduled inbound at 08.00 am, boarding at 08.10 am, ten minutes only. Usually no extra security here at LYS and only short and quick ways to go.
So that seems possible this way, also when the flights are booked on separate tickets, money saving, thanks to Mr.S..
The fare here 50.00 Euro´s booked directly by AF, the cheapest way in terms of fees and else.
As usual a first view to the screen.
No remarks for BES from gate 24C, I´am always impressed with these hub operation here
No lounge visit due to the short connecting time.
Not much more to do than walking up and down the terminal wing twice.
No, that sounds not that really welcoming
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (1 year 10 months 16 hours ago) and read 11245 times:
............................
Different tails on Airlinair´s ATR´s
The CR7 is on the seatmap during OLCI, secured seat 19F,
the last row window, if ever possible.
This looks like the scheduled plane type at the gate
A couple of clouds above
Boarding is a little late, but nothing serious, so it seems
Close up with the cute CR7 nose
Wing and engine view
It is F-GRZG, in service with Britair since 30.04.2002.
Leg no. 8 on type, a new registration and the first non german registered example for me.
There are 15 CRJ700´s in the Britair fleet actually.
We´re doing the 4000 meters asphalt 36L for departure now, 08.45 am, close to ontime. It´s partly cloudy and the temperature is 18 degrees, 1 hour 15 minutes for BES.
Oldfashioned, well used dark blue leather seats
Cockpit crew is from France.
The pilot is a well experienced talkactive guy, he´s on the speakers with a nice welcome during boarding.
He´s once again on the speakers during taxi, we´re no. 4 for departure and that means some minutes to wait.
Cabin view, looks spacious this way, the load is 70%
Cabin crew is a middle aged female together with a young female FA.
Both nice and especially the young female is really nice.
The safety card
Legroom is for sure ok here, two for me and no recline
Service is water, coffee and a brioche for free again.
No route or flightlevel info.
Good views above the countryside, at least till now
We talked earlier about the weather in Brittany.
Engines slowed down, but it doesn´t feels like a real approach.
Lots of clouds now beneath us and we´re done circle after circle.
The captain informed us several times about what´s going on.
BES airport is closed due to weather, heavy wind and extremely low clouds. We catched some more fuel than usual at LYS and therefore it´s a good time now to circle till we need to do a final decision to divert or not.
Well, Mr.S. from the scheduling department done his champagne and going a little bit nervous by now. He booked me on another flight outbound BES later, but not that much later on, in the day.
Finally the captain´s voice is to hear.
"Dear passengers, the airport reopened, we´re going to try it".
That said and it feels we lost hight immediatelly and joining the clouds.
Clouds and more clouds, is it only me or it feels endless in such situations, nothing to see all around.
The small CR7 is somewhat unstable in these conditions, jumping up and down, from right to left.
Finally we´re out of the clouds what looks like not that much meters left till the ground.
Immediate touchdown with heavy brakes on the very wet 3100 meters asphalt called 26L. Now it is 10.25 am, only ten minutes late, but yes we made it. Heavy rain and 12 degrees only here.
Time now for a short chat with the nice young FA.
"The first time for me here in BES and it seems not the best day to do this, but congrats to the pilot".
"Well, it´s Bretagne, it´s possible that you see the bright sun in less than an hour.
How long do you stay?".
"Only a couple of hours and you, returning directly out of these wet place?.
"No way, we stay with the plane here till in the early afternoon".
Parked in front off the terminal, self service, not my favour with these weather conditions
The cute CR7 on the wet apron
Bienvenue at Brest, well, not the best day to visit these place for the first time
Out in the public to check the screen.
Well, a deep breath to say the least, the airport was closed till now and we´re finally the first arrival of the day, all the other planes diverted
Also the later arrivals are delayed. That causes a little bit more nervous action by Mr.S. at the scheduling department,
no more champagne, right now!.
Wednesday, 15.06.2011
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Service Air France AF 7739 operated by Regional CAE
Scheduled: 13.15 // 14.35
With these weather conditions, it seems the best to stay here and check the airport en detail.
A nice theme with the painted planes around
The same view from the other side
A well designed and good looking restaurant, the french know how to dine
The empty baggage area
Centralistic France, we know
The airy terminal hall
Well done architecture
Absolutely strange situation here.
Finally I decide to go airside, but it isn´t possible. The entrance is closed. A nevertheless nice young female agent there.
Passengers are only allowed to go airside when the plane is arrived.
We talked a bit more and it seems they had a terrible chaos in the morning with pax in the secured area and all the flights bussed to outstations. Some of them don´t want to leave and that´s finally the reason for this situation.
How to spend the time?.
What about talking with a very nice, young french business woman with also an interesting day to say the least.
She departed CDG with the first flight in the morning, the plane diverted to Quimper, she hired a terrible expensive taxi to catch her meeting and now she want´s to go back on the same flight like me.
We talked and talked about the biz life these days and the time goes by really fast.
My plane should go retour to LYS. By now there are some 350 pax waiting close to the security check station bound for MRS/LYS and CDG
LYS calls for boarding not that the pax noticed it. Several announcements done not that really successfull, some pax to LYS are still lost. Finally the nice female walked through the pax and asked several times for LYS. You know what happened, a group of whitehaired travellers answered LYS, sure LYS and picked from the crowd. Well, these people.
It stopped to rain and not that I´ve really expected it this way, irony out, FR from and to MRS touched down, closely followed by my machine.
So, imagine the scenery, both flights called for boarding, some 250 pax and there is as much as one security checkpoint here available, terrible.
Thanx god, AF pax are hold on the left side of the entrance, FR pax on the other side, but you know all that lots of pax don´t followed this system.
My plane sitting at the gate
Finally airside, well designed, no chance to check if there is a lounge available here
Airy and spacious
F-HBLA is my ride to CDG, the scheduled E90, leg no. 7 on type and yes, it´s another new registration for the log.
In service with Regional since 24.11.2006. 10 planes on type in the fleet
Boarding now from gate 7, there is still some blue visible
A view from the plane while waiting, to the impressive terminal
Comfy seaters, 26F for me, the last row window, the aisle is also taken with a load very close to 100%
And you know, it needs ages and ages, pax dropped in. Terrible when you sit in the plane and know that the next flight will board from the next airport at 3.30 pm.
Finally departed, again from 26L, at 2.10 pm, close to one hour late. 50 minutes for CDG, that means nearly impossible to catch my connection.
Nevertheless nice views, what I´ve missed, from above
Cockpit crew is from France. The captain with a short, less impressive welcome during boarding.
Cabin crew is one male, one female, both biz friendly to say it in a positive way.
Brittany´s landscape
And a few clouds only by now with 16 degrees
Cabin view, dark blue leather seats, clean so far
And the good legroom
Service is the same like on the earlier flights, coffee, water and a brioche for free.
No route or flightlevel informations.
Regional´s safety card
The captain is on the speakers again short prior to descent.
We´ve done a strange circling approach for the 4215 meters 26R, usually arrivals are on 26L, but it seems we´re cleared for the closer to the terminals 26R due to the delay.
22 degrees, cloudy and the time is 3.10 pm.
No more relaxed feeling with Mr.S, he´s walking nervous around his comfy armchair by now.
Every frequent visitor to CDG know, that there is a separate terminal called G, far and not in walking distance from the other terminals, where the french domestic regional flights are handled. That´s finally my place to arrive, not that it isn´t noticeable while booking.
Last row seating is also not that really good in such situations with only the forward door open to disembark.
It needs ages, to say the least, selfservice to the terminal, walking through narrow corridors and around a couple of curves till the main hall.
It is 3.20 pm by now, 45 minutes late. Checking the screens, a deep breath, no sign for my onward flight, but seconds thereafter the screen switched to boarding from terminal D. The breath is gone.
Terminal D, where you usually need to go by bus, through another security check and btw. my ticket is booked separately.
And now?. No chance to make it by bus.
Remember that nice young business woman from BES, we talked about emergency taxi rides.
Out of the terminal to the taxi line and jumped into the next one. It is 3.30 pm by now.
"Terminal D please, I´am close to miss my connection".
"Sir, we don´t do intraterminal connections".
"Sure, I know, but this is a special situation, a good tip is ready for you".
"Wait a minute". It seems he´s going to check it with the dispatcher.
"Ok, let´s go".
He´s a good guy, driving as fast as possible, but nevertheless it feels as slow as never before around the construction sites.
It´s 3.40 pm, when I am there.
Well, that´s a somewhat special feeling when you enter the terminal, check for the next available security station and hear you´re name on the speakers.
"Last call for Mr. Felger, please come now immediatelly to Gate 58".
There is a special security line for Elite passengers, only one other guy in front, through in no time and no, not running, but powerwalking to the gate only some meters away.
I´ve heard my name again while crossing security. "This is the very last call for Mr. Felger, we will close the flight by now".
3.45 pm at the gate. A nice elder female there.
"Sorry, I´am coming from Brest, the airport was closed due to weather and my flight was delayed".
"Sure, we do everything possible for our Elite passengers.
Please join the bus downstairs now".
A strange feeling again, when you enter the bus with all the other pax watching you, but I´ve made it and it was as close as never before.
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 2, posted (1 year 10 months 16 hours ago) and read 11227 times:
......................................
Wednesday, 15.06.2011
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Service AF 2308 operated by AirFrance
Scheduled: 16.00 // 17.20
Mr.S. is very close to a heart attack, falling back in his armchair.
And I´am on the bus from gate 58 around the apron to the waiting plane
But wait, how is the flight fixed?.
If anyone here booked a online ticket by Deutsche Bahn in advance it´s very wise to check not only the second class offers. Sometimes there are cheaper first class tickets than second class available.
Same here with AF, I´am not sure if it´s a special offer for Flying Blue status clients, but when I´ve checked the availability for the one-way CDG-STR on miles, it shows 20000 for eco and 10000 for biz. No question that S. fixed the biz example for me. Taxes are 75.00 Euro´s.
OLCI also here, no question.
The nice female gate agent is also with me on the apron.
"Thanx again for waiting".
"Sure, you know, we´re doing everything possible for our elite customers".
Boarding now
Engine close up
It´s F-GRHO, the A 319 like on schedule.
Leg no. 65 on type and the second on this bird.
All the time with Air France since 13.07.2000
The french captain with a very nice welcome during boarding also in german language. He was also earlier at the plane´s door during boarding.
Departure perfectly ontime at 4.00 pm, cloudy here and 22 degrees. 1 hour, 15 minutes to STR, let´s go from 26R like arrivals.
No legroom complaints in row 2, the window seat F is ready for me
Dark blue clean fabric seats here.
The middle seat blocked and the aisle seat open, what do you want more with a load close to 100%
Also this way really comfy
The joint safety card for the A318/A319
Space enough for me and my belongings here
A young male and a middle aged female serving the biz cabin, both really nice.
Engine and clouds on the way for STR
The mystery AF box
And inside, cake and chocolate for me
Madame is also on the way with AF
Only very few clouds above eastern France
Forward cabin detail
The curtain to the galley
No route or flightlevel info, but the captain is twice again on the speakers during cruise and prior to descent.
The natural border between France and Germany
An airport along the way
The pilot announced a very nice view to STR airport while we passed it southern side during the approach.
Runway 25 welcomes me back, 25 degrees today at 5.15pm.
Finally back at STR five minutes prior to schedule.
Now that was an adventure, four legs done on four different airlines and equipment.
Interesting flights to say the least, good fares and comfy c class flying on the last leg, super nice staff on Airlinair and Britair, well done AF.
Poland is on schedule for tomorrow, as long as Mr.S. booked it this way. It´s a go or a no go and when it is a no go it´s definitely not Mr.S. fault and also not mine. I´am ready ontime at FRA to fly to Wroclaw, but my plane don´t want to do it this way, more with the next story.
And anyway, the UK is on schedule the day thereafter.
Au revoir and comments welcome,
FLIEGER 67 or Markus Klaus Felger like Facebook knows me!.
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 449 posts, RR: 18 Reply 3, posted (1 year 10 months 15 hours ago) and read 11152 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Markus, as usual very nice TR,
this time an interesting story, where many things could have gone wrong, but luckily you made it in the end.
Service on AF looked very standard.
The airport of Brest surprised me a bit, quite a nice building for such a regional airport.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Cheers
Johannes
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 588 posts, RR: 19 Reply 5, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 11025 times:
Hi Markus,
nice report, quite an action packed day, but glad everything worked out well in the end. I have been to Brittany a few times and it the weather there is really special, can indeed change quite rapidly. But otherwise a very nice region, you should have taken some more time there.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): It is 3.20 pm by now, 45 minutes late. Checking the screens, a deep breath, no sign for my onward flight, but seconds thereafter the screen switched to boarding from terminal D. The breath is gone.
Oh dear, connecting at CDG can be interesting even when you have a lot of time between flights, but like that... Good idea to take a taxi. And certainly a nice experience to hear yourself called out.
It's actually the former Canadian airbase at Lahr, nowadays mainly used as a general aviation airport (they had some occasional charter flights, but not anymore).
Now looking forward to your next reports...
CaptainRed
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6115 posts, RR: 56 Reply 6, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10987 times:
Hi Markus!
Very nice report with nice pitures!
Seems like I was reading a thriller noverl with your risk of diversion and very close call connecting at CDG! Glad you made the connection and very unique in getting a cab airside to make it!
The flights seemed okay and at least you got some new registartions!
Looking forward to your next report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 3):
The airport of Brest surprised me a bit, quite a nice building for such a regional airport.
Exactly my opinion, well done there.
You´re LX story is also on the to-do-list here.
@Martin:
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 4):
Nicely done tripreport, i enjoyed reading it.
Thank you.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 4): Looks like you had an exciting trip with the delays and the almost-diversion and the very tight transfer. Luckily you made it to all flights though.
Sure the way here, I was really lucky this time.
@Captain:
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 5): nice report, quite an action packed day, but glad everything worked out well in the end. I have been to Brittany a few times and it the weather there is really special, can indeed change quite rapidly. But otherwise a very nice region, you should have taken some more time there.
Thank you, I should go there again, definitely.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 5):
Oh dear, connecting at CDG can be interesting even when you have a lot of time between flights, but like that... Good idea to take a taxi. And certainly a nice experience to hear yourself called out.
For sure a strange situation, but it worked in the end.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 5): It's actually the former Canadian airbase at Lahr, nowadays mainly used as a general aviation airport (they had some occasional charter flights, but not anymore).
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25127 posts, RR: 60 Reply 8, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10968 times:
Hey Markus ,
Another great report and nice read. Love the E Jet ones by you Glad you made your connections , we had weather like that today here and it was like tropical rain and thunder! I stayed in all day and did the housework lol...
Looking forward to the next one .
Safe journey .
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 9, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10968 times:
Hi, Lars,
Quoting The777Man (Reply 6):
Very nice report with nice pitures!
Thanx for you´re nice feedback.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): Seems like I was reading a thriller noverl with your risk of diversion and very close call connecting at CDG! Glad you made the connection and very unique in getting a cab airside to make it!
That shows exactly how it feels, like a thriller.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 6): The flights seemed okay and at least you got some new registartions!
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10962 times:
Hi, Phil,
Quoting OA260 (Reply 8):
Another great report and nice read. Love the E Jet ones by you
Thanx for you´re nice feedback. Count me in for the E-Jets, you know.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 8): Glad you made your connections , we had weather like that today here and it was like tropical rain and thunder! I stayed in all day and did the housework lol..
SloAir From Slovenia, joined Jul 2010, 336 posts, RR: 6 Reply 11, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10958 times:
Hi Markus,
nice to see another story up, but you still have a lot of catching up to do I've been to Brittany a few years ago and the weather was similar, lots of thick clouds.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): By now there are some 350 pax waiting close to the security check station bound for MRS/LYS and CDG
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): So, imagine the scenery, both flights called for boarding, some 250 pax and there is as much as one security checkpoint here available, terrible.
I remember you telling me about this, what a mess!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Last call for Mr. Felger, please come now immediatelly to Gate 58".
That was close
Look forward to more stories, hope you won't be too busy.
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 12, posted (1 year 10 months 14 hours ago) and read 10938 times:
Hi, Blaz,
Quoting SloAir (Reply 11): nice to see another story up, but you still have a lot of catching up to do I've been to Brittany a few years ago and the weather was similar, lots of thick clouds
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 490 posts, RR: 3 Reply 13, posted (1 year 10 months 6 hours ago) and read 10512 times:
Hi Markus,
Great trip report with fantastic photos. Glad to see you made it in the end after a couple close calls. I guess your connection supports the claim that CDG is one of the worst airports in the world to connect in, something a few board members on here believe. The late flight from Brest didn't help though.
Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your next report.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Terminal D please, I´am close to miss my connection".
"Sir, we don´t do intraterminal connections".
"Sure, I know, but this is a special situation, a good tip is ready for you".
"Wait a minute". It seems he´s going to check it with the dispatcher.
"Ok, let´s go".
He´s a good guy, driving as fast as possible, but nevertheless it feels as slow as never before around the construction sites.
It´s 3.40 pm, when I am there.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1215 posts, RR: 29 Reply 15, posted (1 year 10 months 2 hours ago) and read 10319 times:
Hello Markus,
Oh my what an exciting day, not always in a positie view the day itself. But you're sure glad to say afterwards: 'I made it'! Thanks to some very friendly people including crews, staff and don't forget the 'good-will' taxi driver at CDG! You should send him a postcard A nice and exciting story and I think mr S needs some time off now to come to rest.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): No one else around and quickly at my usual parking spot!
You don't have a sign there with your license plate on it?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Well, AF getting a bit confused with me booked twice on the same flight, one cancelled, one done, but finally it works
I can imagine!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): She is born in the Bretagne and showed me here place on the map. We talked about Bretagne, the weather forecast, the frequent and fast weather changes and my intentions today.
Super nice service here on Airlinair.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Dear passengers, the airport reopened, we´re going to try it"
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Finally departed, again from 26L, at 2.10 pm, close to one hour late. 50 minutes for CDG, that means nearly impossible to catch my connection.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2256 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (1 year 10 months 2 hours ago) and read 10317 times:
Hi Markus
Another nice trip report, thanks for sharing your Bretagne-adventure.
Was in Rennes last month, but had to stay inside the station due to rainfall.
Looking forward to the next!
Even better... something special for us this summer, it seems!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): We talked about Bretagne, the weather forecast, the frequent and fast weather changes and my intentions today.
Super nice service here on Airlinair.
Very friendly and personal
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): "Sure, we do everything possible for our Elite passengers.
Please join the bus downstairs now".
A strange feeling again, when you enter the bus with all the other pax watching you, but I´ve made it and it was as close as never before.
Well, that's is very nice and friendly from them. I agree indeed, terminal 2G is somewhat inconvenient under delayed circumstances. Also, the traffic can be a nightmare from 2F to 2G etc., I was in the terminal bus for a long time before when we got in traffic jam Why does ADP not create an airside transfer bus, like we see in MUC (T1-T2), LHR (T3-T5) etc.
Well, about Brest, it seems for Elite passengers it would've been better to let them in the secure area so they could wait in the lounge. Because now you couldn't use the facilities you were entitled to, especially needed under these circumstances.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2953 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 10105 times:
Hi Markus,
seems like you had a stressful day!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): So that seems possible this way, also when the flights are booked on separate tickets, money saving, thanks to Mr.S..
Was there any reason to put a picture of a pretty girl on a poster advertising flights to Paris?! Probably not, but I'm sure the (straight) guys reading like it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Quimper, she hired a terrible expensive taxi to catch her meeting
I remember in the volcanic ash cloud stories of people taking a Taxi from Copenhagen to Madrid... EUR1000s!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): "Sir, we don´t do intraterminal connections".
"Sure, I know, but this is a special situation, a good tip is ready for you".
Have you seen the film Taxi 2? At the beginning: "J'ai un vol à Marignane en 20 minutes. Si je ratte, je suis un mort. Si j'attrape, vous êtes un riche!" (I've a flight from MRS in 20 mins. If I miss it, I'm dead. If I catch it, you are rich!)
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): I´am not sure if it´s a special offer for Flying Blue status clients, but when I´ve checked the availability for the one-way CDG-STR on miles, it shows 20000 for eco and 10000 for biz. No question that S. fixed the biz example for me.
Not status related, I was browsing the Flying Blue rewards the other day and a NWI-AMS one way was the same on some dates - 10000 miles Business, 20000 economy. And I'm lowly Ovory, no status at all!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1256 posts, RR: 33 Reply 19, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 10066 times:
Hi Markus,
This was a thrilling installment! I bet you were glad to get back into bed that night!
I do like these AF trips because of the nice aircraft & operator mix you get. The weather looks awful at Brest, but let's be thankful for the fact that you were able to land there at least.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Once again that suspicious red light at the construction site called car park 2 and once again no idea for me what to with it. No one else around and quickly at my usual parking spot!.
Your Italian sense again?!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): No complaints till now with Mr.S., sitting relaxed in his comfy armchair, a glas of champagne in hand, a la francaise and following me again today.
You are definitely paying him too much if he can sit in his armchair with champagne in his hand whilst you're forking out for emergency taxis!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): By now there are some 350 pax waiting close to the security check station bound for MRS/LYS and CDG
Bet that was an interesting scene.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Every frequent visitor to CDG know, that there is a separate terminal called G, far and not in walking distance from the other terminals, where the french domestic regional flights are handled.
Remember it well
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Terminal D, where you usually need to go by bus, through another security check and btw. my ticket is booked separately.
And now?. No chance to make it by bus.
What a nightmare. So glad that you found a taxi driver willing to take you, he really did save the day.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Well, that´s a somewhat special feeling when you enter the terminal, check for the next available security station and hear you´re name on the speakers.
"Last call for Mr. Felger, please come now immediatelly to Gate 58".
Is that the first time you've been announced?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Mr.S. is very close to a heart attack, falling back in his armchair.
I'm not surprised. He'd have been fired if you'd have missed it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Same here with AF, I´am not sure if it´s a special offer for Flying Blue status clients, but when I´ve checked the availability for the one-way CDG-STR on miles, it shows 20000 for eco and 10000 for biz. No question that S. fixed the biz example for me. Taxes are 75.00 Euro´s.
Most interesting and an offer worth making use of.
Great to see that AF did their best for you as an Elite passenger
Looking forward to the next installment, as always.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 20, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 9973 times:
Hi Markus,
Nice to see something from you again. It has been quite a while, you know!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Anyone remember Mr.S., the relaxed guy at the scheduling department?. Well, no complaints here by now.
Nice to know Mr. S. still has your business.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Well, AF getting a bit confused with me booked twice on the same flight, one cancelled, one done, but finally it works.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): the guy at the entrance done often the morning shift, so it seems, he recognizes me from the last visit
An ambassador is always recognizable.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): "Good morning, let me see you´re boarding pass, I will show you the way to you´re seat".
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): She is born in the Bretagne and showed me here place on the map. We talked about Bretagne, the weather forecast, the frequent and fast weather changes and my intentions today.
What a gem of flight attendant!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): The pilot is a well experienced talkactive guy,
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): The french captain with a very nice welcome during boarding also in german language. He was also earlier at the plane´s door during boarding.
They set an example, don’t you think?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): Finally we´re out of the clouds what looks like not that much meters left till the ground.
It reminds me of my own experience in AMS last February.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): A nice theme with the painted planes around
Beautiful artwork indeed!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): What about talking with a very nice, young french business woman with also an interesting day to say the least.
Great idea to socialize with your fellow passenger.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): You know what happened, a group of whitehaired travellers answered LYS, sure LYS and picked from the crowd. Well, these people.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): A view from the plane while waiting, to the impressive terminal
Excellent design. I love it!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): A nice elder female there.
"Sorry, I´am coming from Brest, the airport was closed due to weather and my flight was delayed".
"Sure, we do everything possible for our Elite passengers.
Please join the bus downstairs now".
Very nice of her indeed.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): A strange feeling again, when you enter the bus with all the other pax watching you
I think you should get used to it. You are the ambassador, remember?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Space enough for me and my belongings here
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 9789 times:
Hey, good to follow all that comments.
@aflyingkiwi:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13):
Great trip report with fantastic photos. Glad to see you made it in the end after a couple close calls.
Thank you.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13): I guess your connection supports the claim that CDG is one of the worst airports in the world to connect in, something a few board members on here believe. The late flight from Brest didn't help though.
Sure the case here, not my no.1 in case of connections.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 13): Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your next report.
More to come, soon.
@PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 14): good to see a report from you after a while! I guess your backlog is larger than mine now. Good to hear you didn't miss the last flight in the end.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 15): Oh my what an exciting day, not always in a positie view the day itself. But you're sure glad to say afterwards: 'I made it'! Thanks to some very friendly people including crews, staff and don't forget the 'good-will' taxi driver at CDG! You should send him a postcard A nice and exciting story and I think mr S needs some time off now to come to rest.
Thank you, good point with the taxi driver at CDG.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 15):
You don't have a sign there with your license plate on it?
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 16): Another nice trip report, thanks for sharing your Bretagne-adventure.
Was in Rennes last month, but had to stay inside the station due to rainfall.
Thank you, Rennes sounds also interesting.
@Eric:
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 17): hat was a thriller story indeed... well written, good way to start my day. And guess what? The sun is shining here at the moment...
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 17):
Well, that's is very nice and friendly from them. I agree indeed, terminal 2G is somewhat inconvenient under delayed circumstances. Also, the traffic can be a nightmare from 2F to 2G etc., I was in the terminal bus for a long time before when we got in traffic jam Why does ADP not create an airside transfer bus, like we see in MUC (T1-T2), LHR (T3-T5) etc.
The french, tell me about it, it seems they need some consulting from us.
Quoting airbuseric (Reply 17): Well, about Brest, it seems for Elite passengers it would've been better to let them in the secure area so they could wait in the lounge. Because now you couldn't use the facilities you were entitled to, especially needed under these circumstances.
And the airport looks like really nice.
@R.:
Quoting signol (Reply 18): seems like you had a stressful day!
Sometimes, you know.
Quoting signol (Reply 18): Who is this Mr S?... Or is he your alter ego?
The one checking the schedules when I try to sleep, or me from the other side!.
Quoting signol (Reply 18): Was there any reason to put a picture of a pretty girl on a poster advertising flights to Paris?! Probably not, but I'm sure the (straight) guys reading like it!
Well, the french know how to attract people!.
Quoting signol (Reply 18): I remember in the volcanic ash cloud stories of people taking a Taxi from Copenhagen to Madrid... EUR1000s!
Terrible, thanks god not that expensive for me.
Quoting signol (Reply 18): Have you seen the film Taxi 2? At the beginning: "J'ai un vol à Marignane en 20 minutes. Si je ratte, je suis un mort. Si j'attrape, vous êtes un riche!" (I've a flight from MRS in 20 mins. If I miss it, I'm dead. If I catch it, you are rich!)
I dont know the movie, but the feeling!.
Quoting signol (Reply 18): Not status related, I was browsing the Flying Blue rewards the other day and a NWI-AMS one way was the same on some dates - 10000 miles Business, 20000 economy. And I'm lowly Ovory, no status at all!
Good to know.
Quoting signol (Reply 18):
Looks ok, but not much for a Business ticket. Is it enough for such a short flight?
Ok for me, but not for everyone.
@Hannah:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 19):
This was a thrilling installment! I bet you were glad to get back into bed that night!
Thank you and it feels good to arrive at home ontime, for sure.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 19): I do like these AF trips because of the nice aircraft & operator mix you get. The weather looks awful at Brest, but let's be thankful for the fact that you were able to land there at least.
Also my opinion with the AF group. Time to go once again to Brest.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 19): You are definitely paying him too much if he can sit in his armchair with champagne in his hand whilst you're forking out for emergency taxis!
Good point, I will show it to him during the next meeting.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 22, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 9733 times:
Hi Markus,
Good to have you back from your vacations and journeys, hopefully you are now able to catch up with your backlog a bit.
You certainly had an interesting and exciting day in France - that Brest weather sounds very interesting. And just look at the weather after you took off for CDG - not a hint of the murk from the morning!
Nice variety of planes and airlines within the AF group - domestic French flights certainly look quite nice and varied. And totally agree with the regional network ex-LYS, it is very impressive. I just hope AF will start codesharing on AY's upcoming HEL-LYS route, it would open up a world of nice travel possibilities for me!
Nice idea of bribing that taxi driver, glad you made it in the end, although I guess it wouldn't be too bad to just wait for the next flight and sit in the lounge for a while, relaxing. And maybe even get a nice A318 instead of a boring 319 as a bonus!
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4423 posts, RR: 56 Reply 23, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 9589 times:
Hi, P.,
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 22): Good to have you back from your vacations and journeys, hopefully you are now able to catch up with your backlog a bit.
Thank you and I will do my best to show you a couple of more stories soon.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 22): You certainly had an interesting and exciting day in France - that Brest weather sounds very interesting. And just look at the weather after you took off for CDG - not a hint of the murk from the morning!
It seems that around Brest was the only cloud covered area in France at all.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 22): Nice variety of planes and airlines within the AF group - domestic French flights certainly look quite nice and varied. And totally agree with the regional network ex-LYS, it is very impressive. I just hope AF will start codesharing on AY's upcoming HEL-LYS route, it would open up a world of nice travel possibilities for me!
Good to know, don´t noticed that AY heading also for LYS, sure a good place for travel around France.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 22): Nice idea of bribing that taxi driver, glad you made it in the end, although I guess it wouldn't be too bad to just wait for the next flight and sit in the lounge for a while, relaxing. And maybe even get a nice A318 instead of a boring 319 as a bonus!
Good point, but time was really precious, so good for me to reach home as expected, ready for the next mornings ride to FRA.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 24, posted (1 year 9 months 4 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 9435 times:
Oh Markus, one more thing - due to the stupid new Javascript protection features in FF6 I missed this yesterday:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Originally booked is STR-LYS-STR with the return on Sunday, but Mr.S. rescheduled me for another more interesting destination during the upcoming weekend. Finally cancelled, cashed back the taxes and booked once again on some miles as a one way. 10000 miles and 50.00 Euro´s is the final fare.
I'm a bit confused about this. Why didn't you just throw away the return portion of your original ticket? I'm pretty sure your taxes and fees weren't that high to make it worthwhile going through the hassle of refunding and rebooking and spending 10K miles for it?
25 FLIEGER67: Hi, again, P., Well, AF is free of refunding fees and my ticket was close to taxes and fees only. And I´ve never done it before this way, so I don´t
26 RvXKaz: Hi Markus! It must have been a really exciting day for you! A rather exciting turns of events but it all end very well and glad to hear you've got thr
27 LH4116: Hey Markus, great report! Seems like you had some nice flights on AF's regional affiliates. Service seems rather okay perhaps not much to write home a
28 FLIEGER67: Hello and good to see more comments. @Gavin: Thank you. Warm welcomed, you know. Exactly my impression. More apron shots to come soon. Again warm welc
29 Parton87: Hello Markus! Thanks for the nice story. Sorry for the late response but I have been away France looks like a interesting country when it comes to fly
30 FLIEGER67: Hi, Robert, Thanx for you´re comment, warm welcomed, you know. No way, still a lot to do, definitely. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
31 ba319-131: Nice read Markus, though I was getting nervous for you @ CDG! - I know that feeling, it was many years ago but it stays with you. Nice selection of pl
32 FLIEGER67: Hi, Mark, Thanx for you´re warm welcomed feedback and you know, CDG was for sure a special situation. Definitely. AF´s regional´s offers interestin
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Glad you made your connections , we had weather like that today here and it was like tropical rain and thunder! I stayed in all day and did the housework lol... 
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Sultanils
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Why does ADP not create an airside transfer bus, like we see in MUC (T1-T2), LHR (T3-T5) etc.
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