introduction
Hello amigos!
This is a short FR on a trip to France back in the Summer of 2021. While the MAD-PAR hop is quite popular on FR, this is not the case on the English section, so I share it for encyclopedic reasons.
At madrid barajas t1
The Pandemic was starting to wind down, and Europe was starting to recover its previous lifestyle. Vaccinations were still not widespread, and while the EU Covid Passport was starting to be implemented, since I was not vaccinated (and more than 3 months had passed since my las positive test) I had to take a PCR test.
During this summer, AENA reactivated the T123 complex, but all flights were handled from T1 as there were checks on arrival.
As delays were expected on check-in, I made it to the terminal at 3:30 AM, hoping to make it before chaos broke loose.
Upon entry I was optimistic…
But no…there was a queue already. BTW, AF/KL have respective flights to CDG and AMS at the same time. Handling was chaotic with so many connecting passengers….it took me almost 2 hours to clear it.
I made it with barely enough time for the boarding time
Outside, it was pitch dark…and not much movement in sight. No visit to the VIP lounge as it was not open at that hour.
Unfortunately, we were to be bussed to the plane… without much movement at boarding time either.
bussing to the airbus
At least it wasn't cold outside (July in Madrid, come on!) and I had some interesting views…
This was my first time riding AF's A32X fleet. Compared to KLM, Transavia and Iberia, it was better than expected.
on our way to Paris!
Once boarding was completed, lights were off…
We taxied on to RWY 36R
The sun rose as we took off, providing nice views of Madrid's northern suburbs and Castille.
But nearing the bay of Biscay, clouds brought all views to naught
I felt like reading a bit, while we got our service (again, unexpected). Just a croissant and OJ, nothing extraordinary…but when your standard is IB, well, this is golden!
Near Bordeaux
The KL flight to AMS that left at the same time as us
Cruising over France
But over Paris it was cloudy…so no views
Hello Concorde!
We docked to T2F
We were then directed to immigration queues. The policeman asked me what were my plans in France and if I had come from Colombia or Spain.
Then he let me through
Hola Chibcha!
Nice to see an AF review on the EN site. AF are definitely overall better than IB on short-haul...free snacks, free drinks (including alcohol!), and generally more comfortable cabins with more legroom (except maybe the Domestic fleet with the same ironing boards as IB).
It would be nice if AF also offered BOB in addition to free offering. I really don't want them to get rid of free offering, which is nice (though I've heard rumours). Just during meal times it would be nice to have the option to order something more for those in a rush who didn't have time to eat beforehand.
But yeah overall AF is a much nicer experience than IB in intra-European Y.
Thanks for sharing!