In my previous report I reviewed my journey to Scotland via KLM.
http://flight-report.com/en/report-5764.html
Some Background:
My introduction to AF was last year doing IAH-CDG-DXB-CDG-IAH in Premium Voyageur. Their business class looked rather nice and I always wanted to give it a try, especially after reading a bunch of reviews on here ;). A large reason for booking this trip was for the sole purpose of trying out AF J.
Here’s my trip back.
Some shots around Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Christmas Market
Outside The Dome
The Balmoral and Waverly station below.
Incredible view I had from my balcony
The journey started as I boarded a Cityjet Avro RJ85 in EDI. Had seat 3A in Business. When we landed in Paris we taxied to
I then entered the main terminal, found my connection at Departure Hall M, and boarded the tram over there. Then a quick spin through security, the usual questions and the pat down, had quite the bad streak this trip with that. Got to my gate M25 just in time as the Sky Priority group were just starting to queuing up. Boarding was delayed for about 10-20 min. No big deal. Boarded the plane through the front door, walked through La Première, turned the corner to my seat 3A. I was in the mini Business class cabin on the 777-300er, that's just beyond Premiere and before the second door.
I had to peek back into the La Première cabin. (I think that’s the next goal.)
I had to plenty of leg room on my bulkhead seat.
We were on the ground for a bit longer than usual as the refueling ran a bit long. Enjoying a Champagne (Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve) in the meantime.
My view during the refueling.
Maybe the same bird I came in on…
An assortment of AF craft I watched from my seat.
Saw a very good amount of A380’s. The first, understandably, was the Air France.
Then Singapore.
Then Malaysia Airlines.
And lastly, Thai.
United's birds getting ready at Terminal 1.
After takeoff, menus were handed out.
The amuse-bouche was served. Today was a cold Scallop and tomato. It was served along with a spiced cracker, I got a white (Menetou-Salon Les Bornes 2011). A disapproving Ron Swanson looks upon it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Swanson
Out the windows looking at cloud covered southern England.
The starter, smoked salmon, fois gras terrine de canard, salad and the best bread in the skies, though not warmed.
My main meal, the beef tenderloin, potatoes and a puree of zucchini. More bread and cheese (petit chevre et camembert).
For dessert it was (L to R) Strawberry Rhubarb compote, pineapple upside down cake, and a chocolate mousse-brownie.
After that meal was was very full. Combined with my general tiredness from the trip and I was out like a light. I almost didn't make it to dessert!
I reclined and instantly fell asleep.
http://photosynth.net/embed.aspx'cid=672920ec-7c87-4792-8af2-921590bff7a8
I got a good several hours of sleep as I awoke and we were already over northern Canada.
Wing curvature
Decided I probably shouldn't get too much more sleep, so I watched a few shows on my laptop.
Then time for the second meal. We were over the midwest US.
The coffee was so-so. Using that to wake me up.
After landing on runway 27 in IAH we quickly taxied back to Terminal D. The Lufthansa A380 was in.
Air China 77W from PEK just landed.
TACA, KLM and Singapore also were in.
A BA from LHR taxing her way to the gates.
The German logistics carrier AeroLogic 777F just about to touch down.
A United 787 peaks her way through.
After pulling up to the gate, I was off the plane an queued up for CBP in about 5 minutes.
The CBP queue took a lot longer, probably around 40minutes to clear.
Amenities kit.
That concludes my second trip report. Thanks for reading.
Oh and it may be too late to mention this but I’ve only done like 3 flights in anything but an economy, so this is all impressive to me…for now.
Air France has decided to sell Cityjet to the german group Intro Aviation. That's why it's not a Hop! airline.
Did you know how many La Première seats were occupied on your flight?
The amenity pouch is very nice
Thank you for sharing
It wasn't a sold out cabin, I know that. I got an email the night before to upgrade but it would have cost over usd$1,000. My guess would be 5~7 pax. Affaires class was sold out.
Thanks a lot Greg for this inbound journey, I was really curious to get the feeling of an American on the AF product, because at the end of the day airline products are not solely designed for their counterparts!
Shame that you had no time to go to the lounge at Hall M, it's worth a visit, especialy if you are used to lounges in US ^^
You flew with GZNA with is fitted with NEV3 seats, you were quite lucky as most 77W 4 class are fitted with an older version AKA NEV2.
Once again I am underwhelmed by the cataring, the foie gras slice is ridiculously stingy, the smoked salmon looks good.
The entrée is unapealing, how was the meat (well done, overcooked, rare?), potatoes should be skinless and do I need to comment on this aluminium cup?
On a side note, cheeses is still served with the main, and bread is still unwarmed when most of airlines (and some even Y) are able to warm it!
Dessert seems good.
I totaly get your point of view, it's quite difficult to get out of your seat especialy if you are not at a bulkhead.
The second meal is still the same as ever, same Organic yoghurt and I don't like these stewed fruits.
The Ravioli as entrée looks nice but it doesn't match the menu description (risotto)! Did you notice it or maybe the crew said something?
Can you please elaborate a bit more regarding the crew? How was their English?
Once again thank you for this comprehensive report, I enjoyed reading it!
I really didn't mind the foie gras. Of course I haven’t had all that much. The salmon was indeed good. The meat was rather dry. Very dry actually.
Crew didn't say anything about the second meal, they really didn't talk all that much. Just showed up at my seat and waited as I put my stuff away and got the try table ready. I guess they meant to print ravioli but put risotto instead.
Thanks for this return FR.
Too bad about the mediocre crew, especially when you have high expectations regarding an airline.
The two meals actually look good, even if the presentation could be improved.
Nice collector amenity kit you got ;-)
Will you still consider flying AF again?
I have zero interest in flying Y on AF. Premium Y would be a stretch. However if work would be paying then thats another story.
I think my main purpose of flying AF in the future would be for the miles. I have a decent amount from my two skyteam trips by now.
I enjoyed reading this interesting report with great bonus pics. I was never able to understand why AF doesn't serve warm breads and insists in placing the cheese course on the tray instead of serving it separately like most airlines in J. It feels like an express meal on overnight flights.
I always just figured that's the norm for J class. In Y you're lucky if you even get cheese, J class you get it with the meal, and in First you get a separate course for it.
The mini-cabin is more cosy than the main J cabin; I prefer the second row which provides more visual space. I too was interested in a US traveler's appraisal of flying AF, which I seldom found a memorable experience. Thanks for sharing !
Thanks for the tip about the second row. I think that would be better too!
Thanks for sharing this FR
The starter looks yummy, the main less ... the presentation is awful !
It's a shame having a mediocre crew !
We all are impatient for the new AF cabins arriving mid-2014.
The main dish is awfully presented. I hope it was tasty.
I do share your misunderstanding about the cheese service.
With great F.A the experience would be much improved.
Thanks for sharing.
Nice FR with great pictures
good view from the glasshouse hotel
According to your rating, it's amusing to see you prefered KLM over AF...
thanks
Both flights had their pro's and cons I felt.
Thanks for this FR ! You received the quite typical product of AF (that means both the good and the bad sides ^^) but it's a pity you had a short connection as the lounge from hall M is another of the good sides.
You haven't said much about the crew but for conclusion : for you, which part of the overall product do an (un)friendly crew represent ?
It was mostly the serving of meals or beverages that bothered me the most. They just weren't too friendly or talkative at all. Especially when I went to the bar and I wasn't even acknowledged....
Many thanks Kevin!