OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14592 times:
Welcome to my latest trip report. Once every 6 weeks I take 4 days off work in a row and it works out really well. I dont need to touch my annual leave and it gives me the chance to travel. So this time I decided to pop back to Greece to see the family for a few days and my Uncle wanted me to take a pair of special hi fi speakers that he wanted.
I could have gone with the normal safe options of LX A3 LH etc... but I decided I wanted to give Air France a try again . Air France and I have had a bad history over the years. They have offered me bad and rude service and left me stranded in CDG a few times without assistance. This combination has put me off choosing them on my trips.
During the A380 AF LHR-CDG promotions I took them and have to say warmed to them a bit after a good experience. I still found it hard to choose them for normal flights though as the A380 flights were always going to be something unique and they wanted to impress.
Paris CDG Airport has never been a favourite of mine and never will be , I have found it not the nicest airports in Europe to navigate and transit through and would never book a short connection through it.
Taking all this into account and wanting to see the Air France product currently being offered I threw caution to the wind and parted with some hard earned cash on the AF.COM website. Air France offered me good timings so that was a bonus.
-----
The morning came and I took the bus as usual to Dublin Airport.
DATE: 10/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: AIR FRANCE BY CITYJET
FLIGHT: AF 1079
ROUTE: DUB - CDG
CLASS: VOYAGER
SEAT: 17A
AIRCRAFT: AVROJET RJ85
REG: EI - RJY
I arrived at the check in area and they were just opening. I was the only one in the Premium line waiting to check in and I was promptly invited to approach the desk and check in .
The agent taged my suitcase and then the box with the speakers. She asked me to take these to outsized baggage which I did .
After this I cleared security in Terminal 1 and then made my way to Terminal 2 as usual to visit my regular coffee house
Oh yes the Chocolate lounge never fails to impress. I have a loyalty card here now Another few visits and they owe me a free choice
Soon time to head to the Anna Livia lounge :
Some discreet changes to the lounge signs :
The lounge is not amazing. Basic offerings and small. The DAA are failing to step up to the mark with their choice of lounges and the quality. They could do so much better .
Soon time to head to the A Gates :
They have done a refurb in this area which is alot better then the hole it used to be :
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14777 times:
Soon time to board. Lots of Families with young kids heading to Eurodisney. They boarded first then Elites were allowed to board. I guess the idea is to get the kids out of the way which worked out well in the end. I was surprised at how little connecting passengers were boarding for destinations beyond CDG .
I was greeted at the top of the stairs by a friendly FA . For me this flight is not a AF flight and a CityJet flight and the service is normally good.
Once boarding had been completed the flight was 99% full we pushed back passing the ditched JK fleet.
Our turn to take off :
After take off the FA handed out refresher wipes :
I really like this pic :
Soon the free onboard snack service commenced :
Not a bad offering and the muffins whilst not Chocolate lounge standard were quite enjoyable. I had the Walnut one which was fresh. The FA's also came round oferring seconds but I declined .
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 2, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14749 times:
After that I was so tired that I fell asleep before waking up to see we were landing into CDG .
We pulled up on stand eventually after a very long taxi and then disembarked thanking the crew for a pleasant flight.
We were then bused to the Terminal.
The transfer game started and initially after clearing passport control the signs were not that clear to turn left or right but I asked someone and was pointed in the right direction. The No.1 access to passport control really made a difference and skipped the long lines.
Eventually I arrived from 2E to 2D and made my way to the Air France lounge :
As I entered the lounge I was greeted in French to which I replied ''Hi'' . I was then greeted with ''Welcome to the lounge Mr OA260 please make yourself at home''. I have to say I was taken by surprise at such a welcome based on past experiences. It instantly brought a smile to my face and a feel good factor. I thanked the lounge agent and proceeded into the lounge.
Sadly the treatment center was closed.
This lounge is the oldest one AFAIK. Its not much to look at but surprisingly comfortable and pleasant. Its no flagship modern lounge but the food and beverage selection was not bad at all. The lounge does need to be gutted out and re done though. Its stuck in the 90's in terms of design.
A nice little snack :
Signs of its age :
After a nice enough time in the lounge and taking advantage of the free wifi by Orange it was time to head to the gate for my flight to Athens.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14742 times:
DATE: 10/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: AIR FRANCE
FLIGHT: AF 2332
ROUTE: CDG - ATH
CLASS: VOYAGER
SEAT: 25A
AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS A319
REG: F - GRXA
We were bused to the gate :
I was greeted at the top of the stairs by a friendly FA and as I made my way to the back of the cabin the FA's greeted me also . So far so good
First impressions of the cabin were very clean and comfortable and nice interior colours.
The flight was 80% full and a guy took the seat on the aisle. The FA came to him before we pushed back and told him he could move to the row in front which was totally free as it would give us more space. This was nice as we would both have a row of three to ourselves.
AF retro jet :
Safety demo :
We made our way to the runway and took off :
Soon after the crew came around with these cold trays. Now I knew AF catering was not the same standard as A3 OA TK BA etc... and no hot choice would be offered on this longer route but I have to say the meal was well presented and more important tasted very good. The service was with a smile and the drinks were of a good quality.
I usually turn my nose up at cold meals on over 3 hour flights but I was impressed by this .
More drinks and tasty cookies were offered and accepted
Nice quality chocolate also to enjoy.
Just then the head FA came to me and had a printed passenger list in her hand. She said ''Hello Mr OA260'' ( handed me a pillow and smiled ) . ''I just wanted to check that all is ok with you ? '' I said yes everything was perfect and she invited me to complete a survey. I was very impressed with this and quite unexpected.
Coffee and tea was also offered . The Coffee was quite good for airline brew.
Soon time to stretch out and watch some music videos :
I fell asleep again and soon I woke up to the FA announcing it was time to land into ATH. I put everything away and soon we touched down and pulled up to the gate :
I thanked the crew for a lovely flight and disembarked the aircraft making my way to the baggage reclaim:
The two items came off not first but somewhere in the middle :
I then made my way to my family house , ordered a Souvlaki from my local shop and went to bed
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14693 times:
After a few days and a side trip later to be reported It was time to leave Athens and head back to Ireland.
My Cousin dropped me off at the Express bus stop and I made my way to ATH.
DATE: 13/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: AIR FRANCE
FLIGHT: AF 1533
ROUTE: ATH - CDG
CLASS: VOYAGER
SEAT: 14F
AIRCRAFT: AIRBUS A319
REG: F - GRHS
I checked in at the Premium counter and the agent taged my bags to Dublin. She then gave me an invitation to the lounge. I asked her is it was possible to block the middle row to which she replied ''I will try to keep it to the end but the flight is quite full but I will try '' I thanked her very much for her offer and then made my way to the lounge .
I was welcomed to the lounge and I have to say this is quickley becoming one of my favourite lounges at ATH. Its bright clean and decent food and drink offerings. Its a bit like the A3 lounge without the offending smoking fumes drifting into the non smoking section. I still have to say the OA lounges win though in terms of whats on offer and the interior design.
After a pleasant stay in the lounge it was time to head to the gate using the fast track lane.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 14685 times:
Boarding was soon commenced and I was able to board along with another Elite member first. Again I was greeted at the door by a friendly FA and also by other FA's as I moved to the middle of the aircraft.
Soon boarding was completed and the flight was indeed very full. The middle row remained free thankfully so I was happy to have the space.
Spot the A340 in the hanger being stripped of its livery !
Soon it was time to push back and make our way to take off :
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 6, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 14688 times:
Being stripped of the Olympic Airlines livery :
Soon after take off the meal service commenced. Another cold meal but like the outbound flight this was tasty and quite filling. Served with some nice Chilled White wine to wash it down with .
Coffee and cookies :
I relaxed for the rest of the flight which was very pleasant .
The crew then came around before landing with these guides to anyone connecting at CDG. The crew had a list of connecting passengers. They included to DUB ( Me ) , DUS , HEL , MAD. We were all given these and the crew marked the exact terminal we needed to go to . I have to say this was impressive and the crew really went out of their way to explain how to transfer.
Soon we touched down at CDG and another long taxi to our stand .
I said good bye to the crew and disembarked the aircraft.
The connection game again :
Sadly no EuroDisney for me today :
I have to say 2E is a nice experience and bright . The No.1 access again made the whole process alot quicker and stress free.
The lounge was not that well sign posted and I had to ask someone but I found it finally and was welcomed by a friendly lounge agent. He asked me if I had used the lounge before and aware of the facilities . I lied and said yes as I knew he was going to take me on a tour which I didnt need. Nice of him to ask though.
Now your talking
The lounge is quite small but still quite comfortable. The food was not bad either .
I didnt have all this food in one go I was in the lounge for a few hours .
Soon it was time to leave the lounge and head to the gate .
DATE: 13/MAR/2012
AIRLINE: AIR FRANCE BY CITYJET
FLIGHT: AF 1778
ROUTE: CDG - DUB
CLASS: VOYAGER
SEAT: 17A
AIRCRAFT: AVROJET RJ85
REG: ?? - ??? ( Does anyone know ? )
Boarding was a bit chaotic to be honest with no priority boarding but it wasnt too bad.
I was greeted by a friendly FA and directed to my seat . This was to be a full flight also .
We pushed back and made our way to take off. I fell alseep as I was so tired . I woke up to find some snacks placed on my tray table and I then hit the call button and asked for a coke which was brought to me with a smile. Nice touch I thought that they didnt just pass me by while I nodded off.
After that I fell asleep again before waking up to hear the engines make that unique sound on the RJ85.
We landed and made our way to the gate area. I disembarked and thanked the crew before making my way to the arrivals.
All set for Paddys Day
So thats the end of my trip report. I have to say I am glad I took the chance and flew Air France. They seem to have improved alot since I had my bad experiences. The product has improved , the crew seem better and the transfer process whilst still not the easiest is made easier by better signage and guides.
I found Air France offered value for money , on time flights and service with a smile. I am planning some longhaul flights and for the first time in years I have checked AF along with other carriers. Before AF would never have been considered.
Two flights are hard to tell how consistant a product is but they certainly showed their best to me .
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your comments as usual.
Regards
Philip / OA260
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 14405 times:
great report as usual!!!
I am not the biggest AF fan, but generally they delivered me a very good service.
Used them so far on several long haul routes like CDG-BOG-CDG, CCS-CDG-CCS, CDG-JFK-CDG, LIM-CDG-CCS, in eco and business, normally they are my number 2 carrier from SouthAmerica to Europe (of course I prefer LH but they are not serving the continent as AF is doing) anyhow with now serving CCS with 777 I am not looking forward to use the cramped 10 seat layout...
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 8 hours ago) and read 14026 times:
Thanks for posting! Glad to hear AF has improved!
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I was greeted at the top of the stairs by a friendly FA . For me this flight is not a AF flight and a CityJet flight and the service is normally good.
But in terms of in-flight service this does look like an AF flight. If I'm not mistaken, all services ex-LCY have Cityjet branded food and sandwiches.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The lounge does need to be gutted out and re done though. Its stuck in the 90's in terms of design
I believe that when the second satelite terminal for T2E opens this fall, T2D will be closed down and refurbished.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): I have to say the meal was well presented and more important tasted very good. The service was with a smile and the drinks were of a good quality.
I'd rather have a good tasting cold meal then a so-so hot meal!
Me either but every airline deserves a second chance or in AFs case a fourth or fifth lol..
Quoting Avianca (Reply 7): anyhow with now serving CCS with 777 I am not looking forward to use the cramped 10 seat layout...
Oh thats a shame what were they using before ?
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 8): It looks as if AF has redeemed itself.
Hi and yes they certainly did on this flight ( s ) . If this is the way the product and service is on a regular basis then they have improved alot.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 8): Nice series of shots of the EI retro livery on the A320.
Yes I liked them also despite the odd reflection in the back ground which was annoying but nothing I could do .
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 8): I like the slogan, "they thing of me as 'Mr Campbell" not seat 4A", although that can be hard in practice sometimes.
I like that slogan also its a nice idea but as you say not always possible.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 8): Your HVC status must be on that sheet she had.
Yes i thought that too it was have shown the Plat. status .
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 9): Thanks for posting! Glad to hear AF has improved!
Hey thanks for the reply and yes its good news indeed.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 9): But in terms of in-flight service this does look like an AF flight. If I'm not mistaken, all services ex-LCY have Cityjet branded food and sandwiches.
I have never flown WX/AF more than on the DUB-LCY-DUB route and DUB-CDG-DUB but I can see the differences between the two in terms of products used and crew uniforms. The nationality of the crew is also different.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 9): I believe that when the second satelite terminal for T2E opens this fall, T2D will be closed down and refurbished.
Thats good to hear and I look forward to seeing it. If all the terminals are brought up to the standard of 2E then it will be a vast improvement.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 9): I'd rather have a good tasting cold meal then a so-so hot meal!
Me too but on a 3.3 hour flight a decent hot meal like BA / OA / A3 / TK serve would be an enhancement in the product. As I said though the cold meal was decent so made up for it .
Quoting CO764 (Reply 10): Great report! According to Flightdata24, you were on EI-RJO for your return flight.
Thanks alot and thank you for the Reg also , now you say it that rings a bell
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
usdcaguy From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 753 posts, RR: 2 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 5 hours ago) and read 13557 times:
One way to avoid the cramped layout on the 777 is to buy Premium Voyageur, which is much better than Voyageur and has only an 8-seat layout with good legroom, nice recline, plenty of horizontal space and decent service. Sometimes the fares are comparable to higher prices in Voyageur.
One thing I think is unfortunate is that the AF lounge area at CDG shown above looks bland and boring (especially when comparing it to the new KLM lounges at Schiphol). That's unfortunate; CDG in general is architecturally very interesting, and much could have been done to ensure that the lounge was a showcase of that work, but it looks stuffy with low ceilings and not much color. It does look better than many of the lounges in the States, but that's not saying much at all, given the disappointing step down that air travel can be in the US.
Yes I was looking at the Prem Voyager fares also and I was surprised at how cheap it was and would be well worth the extra money . Im impressed with the look of the seat and space provided.
As for the lounge I also agree. They could have done alot better. I presume you mean the 2E one?
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Phen From Ireland, joined Oct 2007, 294 posts, RR: 0 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 13036 times:
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Oh yes the Chocolate lounge never fails to impress.
Indeed I've indulged there a few times myself; I love how this has become an integral part of your TRs now . As usual a great report - shame about the Anna Livia lounge, they really need to overhaul it. Nice to see Pier A has been given a facelift though. Looking forward to your next report aleady!
malioil From Bahrain, joined Jun 2010, 98 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days ago) and read 12946 times:
Thanks and well, AF is looking good!
A great TR, really thank you for sharing and brings a lot of good reading/entertainment for us aviation loving folk.
I JUST booked DXB-CDG-LHR-CDG-DXB on AF in J and was worried at first in regards to my choice, but this has culled my fear ever so slightly. I have not flown AF since 1999, so this is an experience I look forward too.
I could have flown BAH-LHR-BAH for the same price... but instead I chose BAH-DXB-CDG-LHR-CDG-DXB-BAH... thats when you start to worry about how aviation crazy you're becoming.
Avianca From Venezuela, joined Jan 2005, 5857 posts, RR: 40 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days ago) and read 12913 times:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 11): Oh thats a shame what were they using before ?
well some years ago they still used the 744 (the eco on the upper deck was great and I loved to use AF on the roue). they used in the last years algo A332 and mostly A343
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 months 3 days ago) and read 12845 times:
Quoting Phen (Reply 14): Indeed I've indulged there a few times myself; I love how this has become an integral part of your TRs now . As usual a great report - shame about the Anna Livia lounge, they really need to overhaul it. Nice to see Pier A has been given a facelift though. Looking forward to your next report aleady!
Hey thanks alot for that Im glad you like them. For sure the Choc lounge has become a feature in my TRs and I love that place. I know its only a small thing but I really look forward to it everytime. Just nice coffee and muffins looking out over the Pier really relaxing. Indeed I hope they upgrade the interior it wouldnt cost that much and would make all the difference.
Quoting malioil (Reply 15): I JUST booked DXB-CDG-LHR-CDG-DXB on AF in J and was worried at first in regards to my choice, but this has culled my fear ever so slightly. I have not flown AF since 1999, so this is an experience I look forward too.
Thanks for the reply and I am sure you will have a great time especially in J class. Just allow time for transit and remember to use the No.1 access lounge. Its always a good idea to look at the CDG map and know where you have to go . If in doubt ask rather then go the wrong way . Look forward to hearing your feedback . Have a wonderful trip
Quoting Avianca (Reply 16): well some years ago they still used the 744 (the eco on the upper deck was great and I loved to use AF on the roue). they used in the last years algo A332 and mostly A343
Oh thats a big difference . The Prem Voyager is worth a look at though , I hate longhaul in Y but Id consider Prem Voyager for the small fee to upgrade.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
countvis From UK - England, joined Feb 2012, 54 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 12664 times:
Excellent trip report, and I am glad you had a pleasant experience with AF. I can't understand why they will only provide a cold meal. The meal you got looks fantastic for economy class, certainly akin to some business class offerings, albeit on slightly shorter flights.
Hi and thanks for the reply . Im glad I had a good flight with them too I was hoping so much it wouldnt turn out sour and Im glad it didnt . Your right about the meal Ive had cold platters in J that wernt great so for a cold meal they impressed.
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 12454 times:
Hi Phil,
Good to see you giving Air France another chance. Your flights look quite decent, I thought they'd be offering sandwiches on these long routes as well but good to see that they are still giving you a full meal, even though it is a cold one. CityJet has always been a high class carrier, glad to see their standards haven't gone down!
Those lounges at CDG look quite decent - judging from Markus' reports I thought them to be quite a bit of more basic (especially on the F&B front, let's not talk about the dated interiors!) but your photos show them in a far better light!
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): The lounge is not amazing. Basic offerings and small. The DAA are failing to step up to the mark with their choice of lounges and the quality. They could do so much better .
I was in that lounge back in 2004 I think and can honestly say it hasn't changed a bit, judging from your photos!
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): They have done a refurb in this area which is alot better then the hole it used to be :
That indeed looks better - I remember it being just a row of portacabins some years ago.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Not a bad offering and the muffins whilst not Chocolate lounge standard were quite enjoyable. I had the Walnut one which was fresh. The FA's also came round oferring seconds but I declined .
Ahh, this seems to happen often on CityJet - I got all the sandwiches I could eat on my LCY-ORY flight with them.
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): Being stripped of the Olympic Airlines livery :
So they finally found a new owner for these?
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): We were all given these and the crew marked the exact terminal we needed to go to . I have to say this was impressive and the crew really went out of their way to explain how to transfer.
Yeah, they seem to do this quite often at CDG. Of course one could always argue that if the airport was a bit better signposted and designed with transit passengers in mind these wouldn't be needed...
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 21, posted (1 year 2 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 12432 times:
Hi, Phil,
well done.
Good to follow something around AF and CDG from you´re hand.
You know I´am doing that also somewhat frequent and the lounges looking well known to me.
Good pictures by the way.
Now looking forward to you´re ATH sidetrip.
reifel From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 1134 posts, RR: 1 Reply 22, posted (1 year 2 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 12416 times:
Good Day and thanks a lot for sharing. I'm glad that you had a good time with AF and I hope you don't mind that I use this report to write about my AF experience on a short haul hop from FRA to CDG and back this weekend.
To keep it short: I was absolutely impressed. Firstly, flights were on time. Secondly, the crew was excellent and accomodating on all of the flights. They were equally friendly to frenchspeaking guests than to foreign ones. The new europe cabin looks smart (it's not the one you had). Although in my opinion it doesn't look as smart as the new LH cabin, I find it more comfortable. I was sceptical about not being able to recline the seat, but it was mor comfortable than the LH one and absolutely okay for a short haul flight.
The crew came through the cabin offering smart looking red pillows to guests. Once cabin was half dimmed, the crew members came through the cabin switching on the personal reading lights for people reading. Catering was adequate for the short flight. And they played german announcements from tape, no problem for only german speaking guests.
Flight back was even better. We got fresh croissants, pains au chocolats and other stuff. We had turbulence and crew had to stop service half inflight but didn't miss to give out the pastries from a basket and water directly out of the bottle for the people they missed. And since they had a lot of pastries left they handed the basket to everyone else for a second round, and that on a 55 minutes flight! Furthemore the captain came into the aisle before departing, taking the PA and greeting everyone on board and explaining details of the flight.
AF's crew is usually mid aged, which on me makes good impression of professionism and souvereignity. I have the impression most of the AF staff takes pride in their job, obvisouly they may be expections, maybe more on the ground than in the air, but I guess they are on the right way and have nothing to envoy about the other big european airlines. I had a better experience than with my regular carrier LH, which is of course a fine airline, too.
Still there is this transit experience. I do understand AF is somehow victim about this dump of an airport. While 2F and 2E are fine, it's still difficult to transit, especially for unused travellers. This will probably change a little once all the Schengen flights will swith to 2F and 2D abandoned, but still.
That said, the dump that 2D used to be changed a lot. Look at this picture, no, this is not the lounge, this is the regular waiting area! There is even an area with a piano!
ADP seems to do the best they can to cope for the short term, and honestly, spending some time in 2D now in these seats with a little table looking at the planes on the apron through the huge windows is quite an okay experience. When we arrived in Frankfurt, staff from their partner airline Delta was waiting at the bus arrival to take short connecting passengers to DTW personally to the connecting flight.
I'm afraid AF is victim of their bad reputation, but in my impression from my flights this changed a lot. I'll fly with them this weekend again, let's see if this will be confirmed.
eicvd From Ireland, joined Mar 2008, 2068 posts, RR: 5 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 12363 times:
Hi Philip
As always a great report with great photos too. Nice to see AF using the airbus to DUB over the last few days, had a mix of A319/A320/A321 a/c visit us over the weekend
Quoting OA260 (Thread starter): After this I cleared security in Terminal 1 and then made my way to Terminal 2 as usual to visit my regular coffee house
Thought it might have been "The Chocolate Lounge" alright & I guess you were not "too early" going through security
Saw those yesterday, sad to see but also nice to see airlines we'll never see again. Counted 8 JK a/c, 2 MA 737's & 3 IT A320's.
Thanks for posting
Dublin, where Sam Maguire will be coming home to in mid September
25 Sultanils: Hello Philip, Many thanks for this nice picturesque story. I'm quite glad you offered AF a second chance here. To answer your report title (you've ans
26 airbuseric: Hi, Philip. Bravo! AF did it very well on these flights, nothing else expected to be honest. I am not the biggest fan of the airline, nor CDG, but som
27 OA260: Hey P and thanks for the reply. Heard you looked after Mr G today Yes well no point avoiding airlines if they have pulled their socks up . Indeed not
28 767747: Another good report, Phil. Looks like AF treated you well this time - Nice looking meals, easy connections, clean planes; pretty good travel days! Wow
29 OA260: Hi Matthew thanks for the reply. I dont know what it is with CDG. Ive flown through most major airports workdwide and they all seem easy enough to na
30 reifel: Yes, it is confusing. During Daytime (I guess til around 4 pm) you can take airside busses that will bring you from 2D or 2G to both piers of 2E. Thi
31 flyboy_se: Hi Phil, Thank you for another great TR. I am glad your AF flights were fine. I think a 3+ hour flight should be hot meal, but i guess a quality cold
32 deltamartin: Hi Philip! Nice reports as usual! Looks like AF took well care of you! If I'm ever at DUB I must remember to go there! Both lounges at CDG looks quite
33 OA260: WOW you certainly know CDG and all the ins and outs . Confuses me just reading it lol.. I like the airport hotel ( Sheraton ) , its very handy and ea
34 PlaneHunter: Hi Philip, nice report, even though I was not able to load all pictures. But I guess I have seen a selection of the most important ones. I can only ag
35 gabrielchew: Hey Phil, nice report! Brave of you to try AF – good that it worked out well They know how awful it is to connect at CDG so thriought it better to f
36 OA260: Hey Udo , thanks for the reply. Shame about that not sure why . Sometimes I notice Photobucket plays up if lots of people are looking at the same ima
37 MSS658: Hi Philip Great trip report, thanks for sharing! Seems like AF really did a good job on your trip. I wish I could say the same of my AF flights the pa
38 SR4ever: Thanks Philipp, for this new TR. Actually a big suprise to me that you are FB Platinum, as I thought you were Star Gold "only" 2D now looks quite old-
39 OA260: Hey Marc thanks for the reply. Shame AF didnt offer you decent service but I know first hand how AF have been in the past with me so I dont doubt for
40 infodesk: Hi Philip, Good to hear about your positive experience with AF. I've only done 4 flights with them, which were more than ok and have another couple co
41 SR4ever: Would it be undiscreet to ask you how you have earned Platinum status, as your TR here are primarily about Star Alliance members? This will imply ext
42 LAXorLGWonDL: Great pics and detail -- thank you for sharing your experience! The Chocolate Lounge looks fantastic!
43 lukeyboy95: Hi Philip. Thanks for another fun filled report. That was a good incite so thanks. Well yes, I was careful not to be duped too much by this tour de fo
44 adamspotter: Hi Phillip, Nice trip report with some nice lounges and good flights with AF! Looks very good indeed! cheers, adamspotter // Brendan
45 OA260: Hi Hannah Oh thats good I look forward to your comments and report on them . Haha not a bad routine me thinks Yes and lucky my waistline also thinks
46 JL418: Hi Philip, thanks for sharing! I guess that AF is working hard to be back on track, let's hope that the group will eventually return to profitability
47 LH4116: Hi Philip, great report! So glad you finally had a good experience on Air France. To me it has been nothing but good over the years, except for once w
48 Knightsofmalta: Hi Philip That was quite an eye opener. So far I've never been too impressed with Air France but they appear to have improved, judging by your picture
49 signol: Hi Phil, as a former AF employee I have, and will always have, a soft spot for them My recent flights (1xreturn, 1x one way) have have always been goo
50 LH4116: Actually, that status was matched not earned. BA Gold was matched to FlyingBlue Platinum during last year's promotion.
51 OA260: Hi thanks for the reply. Yes CDG has a very bad reputation with many people and only now can I see the improvements that are desperately needed. Befo
52 akhmad: Hi Philip, What a wonderful story. How nice to see that AF managed to impress you. I had only two flights with AF so far and they were great. It is so
53 SR4ever: Still, I am quite curious at how you got your previous status on FB? Flying KL and City Jet? I am also quite curious of your opinion as to the "impro
54 OA260: Hey Suryo Indeed its a normal process for me now lol... Take for instance clothes in Marks and Spencers in Athens are often double the price of the U
55 raffik: I used to use CDG when I flew to Beirut but I refuse to transit there unless I have at least 3 hours in-between flights. Time after time I would face
56 ODAFZ: Philip, Always a treat to read your report, obviously you did not fly the same company I flew with in June 2011. I have a written a report but it is s
57 The777Man: Hi Philip! Thanks for another report with very nice pictures ! Glad to hear you had a great experience on Air France, one of my favorite airlines. Gre
58 eastafspot: hello Phillip, Excellent report with countless great pics. Glad to read to start reconsidering AF and CDG for your next trip as you are a frequent tra
59 OA260: I would never do less than 3 hours its just an airport that things take time. Hey there I certainly can relate to that my bad experiences in the past
60 mdavies06: Hi Philip So what side trip did you take? Is it the new domestic leg to SKG by Cyprus Airways? mdavies06
61 Parton87: Hello Philip! Thanks for the great story. AF and Cityjet looks both really good.Nice with a full meal on AF! I still have to try them Really good pict
62 ozglobal: The CDG AF lounge shown is in one of the old termnals, not at all like the long haul lounges in 2E which are MUCH better.
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