Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Posted (11 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 8350 times:
I can explain everything. Really.
As you may know, a while back Air France came up with the bright idea of setting up secondary, low-cost hubs in Toulouse and Marseille. Among the newly opened routes was Marseille to Basel, where I live. I’ve always wanted to visit the Provence region of France, so once the flights were released, I booked myself on a flight from Basel to Marseille in the evening of Friday, 29. June 2012. The return would be the next evening, on Saturday, 30. June 2012. This gave me nearly 24 hours to drive out of the city to see if I could find the famous lavender fields of Provence, which are in bloom in June.
And then along came Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing. Quite a while after I had booked the flights, I received a mail from Air France informing me that due to the bad performance of the route, the Saturday flight had been cancelled. I would need to be rebooked. The easiest thing of course, would have been to rebook me for the flight the next evening, Sunday, 01. July 2012. But private affairs required me to be back in Basel on Sunday morning, so instead of taking the direct service, I opted for a 06h15 departure from Marseille to Roissy and then onto Basel. That would get me into Basel at 09h45. But yet, 06h15 is very early and yes, transferring in Roissy is not my idea of fun either. But it cannot be helped.
The Oman Air flight would be on Friday, 29. June 2012 and would arrive back in Zurich at 18h40. This gave me enough time to get back to Basel, grab my rucksack and head for Basel airport for the flight to Marseille at 23h00.
And then along cam Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing. After I had booked the trip to Oman, I received another mail informing me that the flight from Basel to Marseille had been rescheduled and would now already be leaving at 20h00. There was no way I would make it from Zurich by that time. And so it came that the outbound flight had to be changed as well. Eventually I was rebooked to leave Basel at 10h00 on Saturday, 30. June 2012. I would fly to Marseille via Orly. One must look at the positive side. At least this meant that I would be flying on the Britair CRK to Orly.
This is what I booked. It’s quite simple really.
This is what Air France had me fly. Not quite the same.
And now, without further ado, off we go!
Date: 30. June 2012
From: Basel
To: Paris Orly
Aircraft: Bombardier CRK
Cabin: Economy
Seat: 1A
The journey begin, yet again. outside the main railway station in Basel. It is here that I catch the line 50 to the airport.
The airport is looking good. Following the completion of the exterior, the interior has now also been revamped.
This here is actually what used to be the oldest part of the original construction from the 1970s.
I cross over into the French side.
I've already done OLCI, so I head upstairs for security.
The French side of the departure lounge is empty.
Our resident unused A340-600 looking seriously worse for wear.
At around 09h30, my bird finally makes an appearance. This will be my first trip with the CRK!
Trust him, he knows what he's doing...
See!
A short while later, boarding is called.
On my way to the plane I take a few shots of my bird.
THE CABIN
The flight is not entirely full. Platinum members get seats at the front of the plane, hence I am on 1A. There are then about 8 empty rows in between me and the rest of the passengers.
Boarding is quickly completed and we are soon on our way.
Take-off is to the south towards Switzerland and Basle. After take-off we do a steep right turn and set course for Paris.
THE SERVICE
Once the seat belt sign goes off, the curtains close and the crew start to prepare for the service.
Hot chocolate with biscuits. The flight attendant tells me that the hot chocolate is made with water. But If I add to creamers I won't be able to tell the difference. I try and must admit, not bad at all.
The rest of the flight is short and smooth. The weather en route is overcast.
On the approach the weather clears up. But alas I am sitting on the wrong side to to be able to see the city.
We arrive in Orly on time and taxi past the huge variety of different airlines and aircraft types. A short and plasant flight comes to an end.
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 1, posted (11 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 8275 times:
TRANSFER AT ORLY OUEST
Domestic flight arrive and depart from Orly Ouest. The terminal is quite old and evidently not geared for transfer passengers. This means that although I'm on an intra-Schengen flight, I will still have to go through security again.
There is a separate areas for SkyPriority passengers to check-in, but alas no fast track through security.
Even so, once I'm through security I still have enough time to visit 'Le Salon Air France'. Air France operates a shuttle, called 'La Navette', to a number of French cities. These flights all leave from the same area and the lounge is only available to these flights.
The lounge is not very well stocked and not exactly fancy. But it get the job done and it offers some excellent views of the apron.
THE FLIGHT
Boarding is called a few minutes late. It's an orderly affai and Air France take their boarding by seat rows very seriously.
Date: 30. June 2012
From: Paris Orly
To: Marseille
Aircraft: Airbus A319
Cabin: Economy
Seat: 10D
Originally I'm on 10E, the middle seat on the emergency exit. Fortunately the guy on the aisle recognises some pal of his just as the doors close and decides to move. I shift across to the aisle seat, leaving the middle seat empty for the rest of the flight.
THE CABIN
The cabin looks rather new. The seats are not exactly comfy but sufficient for a short flight of only one hour.
SERVICE
Service on this flight is pretty much the same as on the previous flight. I have a Perrier and more of the biscuits.
ARRIVING IN MARSEILLE
The approach takes us over water and eventually a set of large salt pans. It's quite spectacular.
After we land, we taxi past a huge fleet of fire protection aircraft.
I deplane and head outside. It's a nice day but very hot. But it still feels nice. Just like a summer holiday. As for Air France, I don't think I'll ever be a fan. But I must say, these two flights as well as the return flights were very solid performances.
I did not prepare a report on the return, it was simply too early in the morning for me. So I'll leave you, if I may, with a few pictures of the lavender fields of Provence.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1215 posts, RR: 29 Reply 4, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 7500 times:
Bonjour William,
Nice one, once again! I loved your intro as it shows very clear that airlines adapt their strategy very quickly in this harsh economi climate. Only too bad that the customer is usually the victim with these things... But hurrah! you got to log the sleek and sexy CRK!
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): One must look at the positive side. At least this meant that I would be flying on the Britair CRK to Orly.
Thanks. I thought that perhaps this report might be a bit of an anticlimax after my Oman Air extravaganza. So I though I'd add some panache by including a few pics of my studly knees...
Quoting BAViscount (Reply 3):
A nice set of reports from you lately...seems you've been spending a lot of time in the air!
To be honest, it's getting to be a it much, as much as I like flying.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 4): loved your intro as it shows very clear that airlines adapt their strategy very quickly in this harsh economi climate. Only too bad that the customer is usually the victim with these things...
Quite. As you say, it's impressive how quick they can react to the market. But it does make planning somewhat problematic at times.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 4): Oh, how I long to be on a CRK one day
Blimey Nils, I think you should have that checked some day.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 4): Still a nice geometric shape, way better than a straight line. You’re an enthusiast after all, no
Absolutely, how right you are! If it looks good on the great circle mapper, then it's good enough for me!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 4): It sounds like you are in love with your airport
I am! Nothing wrong with Zurich, really. But it's just so convenient to only live 15 minutes away from the airport.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 6, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 6939 times:
Hi William,
Good grief, my dear man, don't you have any pants on!? Those pictures of hairy knees will be haunting me for a while!
An interesting quickie on trying out the new AF route which then again didn't really succeed at all . At least you managed to log the CRK, congrats on that. I'm a bit jealous. Ok, I'm *very* jealous!
I spent a couple of hours at MRS airport in May, coincidentally also in a (failed) quest for the CRK. Flew a couple of Régional flights instead, and I have to say I liked them a lot - very nice cabin crew, nice planes in good condition, perfectly on time and just pleasant. Definitely better than mama AF.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): And then along came Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): And then along cam Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing.
Hah, they certainly didn't make it easy for you. I was very curious about these "low cost" routes (how much did you pay, BTW?) ex-TLS and MRS and wasn't really surprised to see the first route and schedule changes take place very soon. I'm thinking of doing one of these in November as a part of an itinerary to try to catch the CRK again, but I'm kinda worried that I'll get into the same kind of rebooking rigmarole as you (not that it would be particularly hard in the case of the itinerary I have in mind as there are plenty of direct flights instead of a dog leg via TLS...).
Did you ask to be rebooked directly ex-ZRH after your arrival from the Gulf?
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): The flight is not entirely full. Platinum members get seats at the front of the plane, hence I am on 1A. There are then about 8 empty rows in between me and the rest of the passengers.
Hah, exactly the same happened to me on my Régional SXB-MRS flight with the E145. I was on row 3 or 4 I think, the rest of the passengers apart from a deadheading AF pilot somewhere after row 10 .
Those seats look very nice and new - I bet there was the new plane smell still in the cabin?
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): The approach takes us over water and eventually a set of large salt pans. It's quite spectacular.
Yes, it is quite a picturesque one. We landed from the other direction, but it offered equally nice views, especially of the urban area of Marseille.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): I did not prepare a report on the return, it was simply too early in the morning for me. So I'll leave you, if I may, with a few pictures of the lavender fields of Provence.
Wow, some very beautiful shots there. I'll go there one day, I promise... if only... etc. etc.
BAViscount From United Kingdom, joined Mar 2004, 2338 posts, RR: 4 Reply 7, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 6774 times:
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 5): Thanks. I thought that perhaps this report might be a bit of an anticlimax after my Oman Air extravaganza. So I though I'd add some panache by including a few pics of my studly knees...
And studly they are indeed, don't listen to that pale bloke from northern climes who wears odd hats and who doesn't appreciate that everyone wears "pants" on this side of the Atlantic! Well, apart from kilted Scots...allegedly!
Ladies & gentlemen this is Captain Tobias Wilcock welcoming you aboard Coconut Airways flight 372 to Bridgetown Barb
September11 From United States of America, joined May 2004, 3623 posts, RR: 23 Reply 8, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 6648 times:
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 9, posted (11 months 3 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 6550 times:
Quoting BAViscount (Reply 7): And studly they are indeed, don't listen to that pale bloke from northern climes who wears odd hats and who doesn't appreciate that everyone wears "pants" on this side of the Atlantic! Well, apart from kilted Scots...allegedly!
Well, actually judging from those photos it looks like he might be without both trousers and pants!
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 588 posts, RR: 19 Reply 10, posted (11 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 6208 times:
Hi Wiliam,
very nice little report here. A shame that you couldn't fly the new route, but at least you could log the CRK, for sure a nice plane. I have also booked a flight with Brit Air on this type later this year, looking forward to it. All in all it seems you had two nice flights with AF/Brit Air.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): But If I add to creamers I won't be able to tell the difference. I try and must admit, not bad at all.
That's very nice, good when a FA pays attention to such details, great customer care.
Also some very nice pictures of the Provence, a very beautiful area there, actually my favorite region in France. Great that you could get there when the lavender was in bloom, I can almost smell it when looking at your pictures
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 11, posted (11 months 2 weeks 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 5890 times:
Hi Flyingfinn
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Good grief, my dear man, don't you have any pants on!?
Please, let a man have his secrets!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Those pictures of hairy knees will be haunting me for a while!
I know, they're quite stunning.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): At least you managed to log the CRK, congrats on that. I'm a bit jealous. Ok, I'm *very* jealous!
Thanks, that is rather cool. As far as I know, the CRK is quite reliable to catch on the route to Basel.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): I spent a couple of hours at MRS airport in May, coincidentally also in a (failed) quest for the CRK. Flew a couple of Régional flights instead, and I have to say I liked them a lot - very nice cabin crew, nice planes in good condition, perfectly on time and just pleasant. Definitely better than mama AF.
That impressed me too, the planes were in mint condition. While the Airbuses just looked like...Air France.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Hah, they certainly didn't make it easy for you. I was very curious about these "low cost" routes (how much did you pay, BTW?) ex-TLS and MRS and wasn't really surprised to see the first route and schedule changes take place very soon. I'm thinking of doing one of these in November as a part of an itinerary to try to catch the CRK again, but I'm kinda worried that I'll get into the same kind of rebooking rigmarole as you (not that it would be particularly hard in the case of the itinerary I have in mind as there are plenty of direct flights instead of a dog leg via TLS...).
Seriously, just don't bother. Air France have already announced that there will be further cuts at their 'hubs' in MRS and TLS.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Did you ask to be rebooked directly ex-ZRH after your arrival from the Gulf?
That was not possible because I was actually holding a domestic ticket, because Basel shares the airport with Mulhouse in France.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Hah, exactly the same happened to me on my Régional SXB-MRS flight with the E145. I was on row 3 or 4 I think, the rest of the passengers apart from a deadheading AF pilot somewhere after row 10 .
Strangely enough, if you select a seat further back and then decide to change again, it's no longer possible!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 6): Wow, some very beautiful shots there. I'll go there one day, I promise... if only... etc. etc.
It certainly was a nice place. I'll have to go back again soon. Especially the place called Aurel was so tranquil.
Hi Andy
Quoting BAViscount (Reply 7): And studly they are indeed, don't listen to that pale bloke from northern climes who wears odd hats and who doesn't appreciate that everyone wears "pants" on this side of the Atlantic! Well, apart from kilted Scots...allegedly!
Thanks for the enourgement. Perhaps my knees should start their own facebook profile...?
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): A shame that you couldn't fly the new route, but at least you could log the CRK, for sure a nice plane. I have also booked a flight with Brit Air on this type later this year, looking forward to it. All in all it seems you had two nice flights with AF/Brit Air.
Yeah, it was a pitty. But as you say, the CRK more than compensated for that. I hope you'll enjoy your flight. It's a great little plane. And so stylish to look at!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 10): That's very nice, good when a FA pays attention to such details, great customer care.
Generally speaking the crew were all quite nice and charming.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 13, posted (11 months 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 5484 times:
Nice report William. Shame that AF had to cancel your flights, but nice that you were rebooked on something acceptable. I'm surprised that there is no business on BSL-ORY.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 13): I'm surprised that there is no business on BSL-ORY.
As far as I know, Air France doesn't offer a Business Class product on any of its domestic flights except on flights to the Départements d'Outre-Mer. Then again, Air France Business Class on European short-haul flights is rarely anything to write home about...
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1256 posts, RR: 33 Reply 16, posted (11 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 4742 times:
Hi William,
You sure know how to catch our attention when writing trip reports!
Seriously though, this was of particular interest as I have some AF legs comings up ex BSL in September with a transfer on ORY for the first time. The CRK looks very smart, nice seats and much better than the ones on the A319.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): And then along came Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): and would arrive back in Zurich at 18h40. This gave me enough time to get back to Basel, grab my rucksack and head for Basel airport for the flight to Marseille at 23h00.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): And then along cam Air France and made a dog’s breakfast out of the whole thing. After I had booked the trip to Oman, I received another mail informing me that the flight from Basel to Marseille had been rescheduled and would now already be leaving at 20h00.
Nothing ever seems to go smoothly when you're flying, does it? Especially not when AF/KL enter the equation!
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Thread starter): The flight attendant tells me that the hot chocolate is made with water. But If I add to creamers I won't be able to tell the difference. I try and must admit, not bad at all.
That's interesting. I despise hot chocolate made out of water so I'm still not convinced the cream helps.
Anyway, glad it worked out in the end and that you found the lavender fields! I've flown over MRS several times and always think it must be a pretty impressive airport to land at.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 17, posted (11 months 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 4679 times:
Hi Marc
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 15): Interesting report about AF's short haul service.
Thank you.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 15): While not impressed by Air France at all I must say that the product is pretty impressive.
I've never been much of a fan of Air France's either. But I must say, on these flights the offered a solid performance. And the hardware on the regional jets is great.
Hi Hannah
Quoting infodesk (Reply 16): You sure know how to catch our attention when writing trip reports!
Good, it seems to have worked!
Quoting infodesk (Reply 16): Seriously though, this was of particular interest as I have some AF legs comings up ex BSL in September with a transfer on ORY for the first time.
Transfer is very easy at ORY, you can't go wrong. And the walking distances are very short. If you're connecting from a domestic/Schengen flight to an international/non-Schengen flight your best option to transfer between terminals is probably the Orlyval.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 16): Nothing ever seems to go smoothly when you're flying, does it? Especially not when AF/KL enter the equation!
I was afraid somebody might use that against me one of these days. But I have to say, recently I haven't had that many things go wrong actually *touch wood*. Of late my biggest problem seem to be more with coordinating the trips rather doing them.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 16): That's interesting. I despise hot chocolate made out of water so I'm still not convinced the cream helps.
Have you tried those 'Options' thingies you can get in the UK. Not half bad really. But obviously not as good as the real thing, or as unhealthy...
Quoting infodesk (Reply 16): Anyway, glad it worked out in the end and that you found the lavender fields! I've flown over MRS several times and always think it must be a pretty impressive airport to land at.
Yes, the approach is very scenic. First you come in low over the sea, with sailing boats below, and then shortly before landing you pass over these salt pans with the most unusual red colours. Definitely very nice.
Marc, Hannah, thanks for taking the time to comment.
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 818 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (11 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 4498 times:
Hi William,
Another great report as usual. AF in the air looked quite OK this time, very bad that they kept changing your schedule! Love the lavender field pictures, looks impressive!
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 20, posted (11 months 1 week 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 4254 times:
Hi Martin
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 19): Nice little report of AF shorthaul, nice to log the CRK!
Thanks! Catching the CRK was cool. It also has the added benefit of being one up on FlyingFinn...
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 19): At least you got to fly 4 legs instead of 2, haha!
How very true. Four take-offs and landings for the price of two.
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 19): I can imagine that the takeoff was rather quiet!
Yeah, as we pushed back I kept waiting to hear the engines start up. Then eventually we started moving forward and I had to presume that it was under our own power. Quite impressive.
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 18): AF in the air looked quite OK this time, very bad that they kept changing your schedule!
Yeah, so much for opening up those secondary hubs away from Paris...
Quoting adamspotter (Reply 18): Love the lavender field pictures, looks impressive!
Those lavender fields were really something different. I was not expecting there to be so many and such large fields. Very beautiful countryside indeed.
Martin, Brendan, thanks for taking the time to comment.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2337 posts, RR: 53 Reply 21, posted (11 months 1 week 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 4249 times:
Oh dear William,
Almost every time you fly intra Europe, you never fulfill it according to the first itinerary. But somehow, the changes have always been to your benefit in terms of new airports, aircraft types or interior. These AF flights of yours to Provence were nothing different.
I am impressed how you look at everything from the bright side.
Your reward this time? CRK! A type which will be added to Garuda’s fleet later this year.
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 22, posted (11 months 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 4039 times:
Hey Suryo!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Almost every time you fly intra Europe, you never fulfill it according to the first itinerary.
I know, that's what Hannah said a while back too. But you must grant me this: it's not my fault!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): But somehow, the changes have always been to your benefit in terms of new airports, aircraft types or interior.
Yeah exactly, the original route would have been just an A319. I don't think i would even have written a report then!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): I am impressed how you look at everything from the bright side.
From experience I'd say everything else is futile. And life's too short.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Your reward this time? CRK! A type which will be added to Garuda’s fleet later this year.
Really? I had no idea. Usually the airlines in that neck of the wood have a penchant for the big birds. In any case I bet that will look funky in the Garuda livery.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Hot chocolate? I would love to have one on board.
Not many airlines seem to offer that these days.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 21): Beautiful! Did you buy any lavender product as souvenir?
Nah, I figured if I don't I have a better excuse to return!
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1429 posts, RR: 17 Reply 24, posted (10 months 1 week 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 3072 times:
Hey Suryo
Thanks for the link. That really looks very cool, the clean and simple lines of the CRK with the cool blue livery of the Garuda. I like it. Next thing is to figure out an itinerary that will get me on one of these birds!
Cheers,
William
25 lukeyboy95: Hi William. Another nice report - you manage to keep them light / airy and humorous. Less keen on the fact that your knees seem to be 'trending' in th
26 Knightsofmalta: Hi Luke Thank you, that's very nice of you to mention. Yes, I know they can be quite intimidating... Oh okay, admittedly I was not too cut up about al
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