Avis du vol entre Osaka et Paris en classe Economique avec Air France

Hello everyone,

All good things must come to an end, and this trip is no exception – it’s time to head home.
Today, we’ve got a very long flight ahead of us (my longest flight to date), with the added bonus of a little taste of a round-the-world trip.
Fun fact: this report is a mirror image of the one by MAN58 (see here), as we were on the same plane without realising it.

Our routing is outlined below.

KIX

On the d-day, we wake up without any pressure.
Why? Because we’ve opted for the easy option of staying at the Nikko Kansai Hotel, which is very convenient and right opposite the terminal!
Unlike our previous trip from FDF, where I enjoyed a final dip in the sea before rushing to the airport, here, it’s all about relaxation.
It has to be said that our stay was consitent with its reputation, and we clocked up over 20,000 steps on several days.
So, this morning, let’s make the most of this short walk from our hotel to Terminal 1.

And what's more, it's straight ahead!

Here we are in the terminal, which is spacious but rather sparsely decorated.

You need to go up one level to reach the departures area.
To find the check-in desk, simply follow the red sky priority label. 

Despite the numerous Self check in options available, we’ll go through the standard procedure once we’ve passed the eligibility check by the ground staff.

The formalities were swiftly achieved, and after successfully checking in the two suitcases in my name (although the risk of lost luggage is lower on a direct flight), I collected a whole bunch of vouchers for our mini group: one for the fast track, one for the lounge.
As for the lounge, it will be the KIX Lounge KANSAI. 

We’re just as light as we were on the way to KIW from AMS, as we’ve managed to put all the extras into our checked-in luggage – except for the 700-yen  umbrellas we snapped up on a rainy day at Family Mart, which we’re bringing back as a souvenir of our trip (one umbrella each).
The entrance to the line for security check is in sight, and it’s barely been 10 minutes since we entered the terminal. 

Looking at the FIDS, everything is OK.

Let's head for the fast lane.

AIRSIDE AND LOUNGE

Seven minutes later, we’re airside.
Here, it’s a "hybrid" security cehck, as you just need to take the laptop out of your carry on – it can stay in the case, there’s no need to take it out of its cover. 

Now, let's head to the passport control.

We got through in just four minutes using automatic gates. It is 10.20 am. 

As is often the case, you end up coming back down what you’ve climbed…

And here we are in the duty-free area.

Once past this first shop area, we’re greeted by a large & famous french "chain store".
As for a change of scenery, we’ll have to try again another time.
The plan now is to leave the senior and junior Copax in the lounge and then try to do some last-minute shopping. 

After dropping off my two flight mates, I popped my head round our gate just to snap a photo of today’s plane – one I probably won’t see very often, given the size of Air France’s 787 fleet and their destinations

Next, I set about my mission, but let’s be honest, it’s a lost cause.
In fact, apart from the luxury boutiques around LV, there’s nothing particularly exciting in this duty-free shop, and certainly no abundance of Japanese gadgets or souvenirs. I should have done my homework beforehand. 
No need to panic, as I was only looking for one last item, and I have to admit that even walking from the central area to the north wing, I wasn’t exactly blown away by the shops on offer.
There are, however, plenty of shops specialising in local cakes and sweets.
So what on earth am I going to bring back?
Well, a few spotting shots and some of the KIX bridge! That’s not too bad.

I'm more proud of my picture of the KIX Bridge.

Having reached the end of the terminal, I decide to head back to the central area using the small automated metro available on the top level.
It was quite fun to take this short metro ride on the roof. 

After my fruitless stroll, I joined my mates in the lounge.
The entrance is rather plain. 

Inside, the design remains understated and the space is generous.
And my Copax settled easily a little while ago 

From what I’ve read in previous flight reports, Japanese lounges aren’t exactly renowned for their lavish buffets.
This one surprised me with its size, but it remains true to the local style.
There are quite a few savoury options but not many sweet ones.
You can order a few cocktails à la carte for a small extra charge. 

Since we’ve just had breakfast, I’ll settle for an unusual combination of coffee and umeshu on the rocks.
As for Copax Junior, he’ll be drinking apple juice non-stop… 

BOARDING AND CABIN

30 minutes after that final Japanese aperitif, we head for the gate.
We arrive at noon sharp, aiming to board quickly.
If queues haven’t formed yet, they’ll be organised promptly, with priority given to Zone 1.
We’ll therefore be among the first to join the queue for Zone 2. 

And at 12.05 pm, we’re already approaching the jetbridge.

Cabin next.

Key pictures while approching the door followed by a warm welcome from a very friendly Japanese flight attendant, with whom I had the chance to chat during the flight alongside another passenger as the hours stretched on and on.

For the moment, let’s head to our seats.

The familiar AF seat is waiting for me.
The in-flight amenities are definitely of a higher standard when it comes to the cushions, headphones and blanket than those offered by our KL cousin, at least in my view.
On the other hand, once seated, I feel a bit more cramped.
Yet Aerolopa is clear: there’s no difference between the two cabins.
So, any own impressions must be double checked..
One thing is certain: I don’t feel out of place. 

My space review does not give rise to any particular comments.

On the other hand, we’re right on the wing, which will not help for the best photos.
Like at AMS, I’m surprised by the position of the flap which is in the lowered position.
This flap was quite fascinating to watch in flight, as it was constantly making tiny adjustments alongside the more pronounced movements during turns, for example.

Among the other airlines, I notice Air China giving me a look that seems to say:
“While organising this journey, you let a business class ticket at such a great price slip through your fingers just to end up here?
You’ll be kicking yourself for it soon, you ungrateful man!”

For its part, boarding will proceed quickly, as between this photo, taken at 12.11 pm and the the announcement that boarding was closed, only 20 minutes will have elapsed.

The window is identical, but its button is in better condition.
The lag remains the same, of course. 

Waiter, the menu please.
Something very usual. 

12.30 pm: I barely had time to wonder whether I should start salivating when the famous ‘end of boarding’ announcement occured.
The jet bridge was quickly retracted and at 12.41 pm we taxied out.
Unlike on the outbound flight, there were huge GE90-style vibrations. I found this difference in sound and vibration quite astonishing.
In the meantime, the captain gave us the usual briefing on the flight ahead, adding an unusual for me:
“We’ll be taking the Pacific route today.” 

Safety instructions ongoing.

The taxi starts at 12.46 pm under CX watch.

It takes about ten minutes by taxi to get to the runway, even though the airport isn’t so huge.
It’s not every day that you spot a berthed ship from the window… 

THE (VERY LONG) FLIGHT

We take off immediately after reaching the runway threshold.
Here too, a slight left turn after take off. 

The Wi-Fi will be small lie.
No Starlink, but at first I thought standard Wi-Fi would be my friend – I even went so far as to buy a data pass.
Unfortunately, it never works once the plane has taken off. A right pain.
And it just so happens to be on the day of the longest flight of my life…
USB, on the other hand, is fine. 

I’ll try it several times in flight, like a junkie looking for a fix, but whether it’s 30 minutes after take-off or 10 hours later, it’ll be the same old story.
Connection, disconnection, bug, game over… 

We’ll get by.
A refreshing wet towel is handed out during the (turbulent) ascent.
On flights of 14 hours or more, the fact that a 50cl bottle of water isn’t provided, as it is on KL, is really disappointing. 

To kick off the marathon, I switch straight into cinema mode.
Just as the special/children’s meals are being served (1.40 pm), our flight attendant pops his head round and asks if we’d also like to be served early or, failing that, to let him know our choice so he can make arrangements.

To avoid any ‘chicken-gate’, we’ll ‘place an order’, but for the regular service scheduled for 2.10 pm.
I think this is the first time I’ve been offered this, but in this case, I thought it was a good idea.
PS: This is the first ‘platinum’ perk that stands out, whereas on KL there was nothing out of the ordinary.

PS2: Unrelated to the previous comment, I also had the chance to chat with our flight attendantin the rear galley during the flight.
In fact, the cabin crew were all very approachable and keen to have a chat with the passengers wandering about in the night ahead. 

Let’s get back to the meal tray, and indeed, to the chicken.

Before opening the main meal box, I’ll top up the liquids, including the miso.

What follows is fairly standard.
It’s good, but less surprising than KL’s version, probably because it feels a bit like ‘business as usual’.

Just under an hour later, we head to the café.
The pace is leisurely, which is just as well, because there’s no point in rushing – the flight has only just begun. 

4 pm, a magnificent view from the wing.
The cabin switches to dim lighting.
I think the view is beautiful and poetic, but the real pain lies ahead – we’ve still got 10 hours of flying to go! 

I’m popping to the restrooms quickly before getting back to my film.

4.25 pm, dark mode too “by lowering the window” and heading into the night.
Note that this will be later locked by the crew for the rest of the flight. 

At 8.30 pm, I head to the galley for a bite to eat.
I find some sandwiches that are a bit awkward to unwrap but very tasty.
Unlike KL, which has served the whole cabin with the snack, here it’s on request (you actually have to come to the back) and the service is “controlled”. 

This view from the back of the cabin is going to be my point of reference for the next few hours.

’ll be making several trips back and forth between my seat and the galley. It’s a long flight!
There’ll be a bit of excitement at the back because, as we approach the far north, there’s a chance the Northern Lights might make an appearance on our journey. Personally, I didn’t see a thing.

It’s midnight Japanese time. I’m tired, there’s no Wi-Fi, I don’t know where I am… but outside, the view is magnificent.
Given that there are only four hours of flying time left, we must be flying over Greenland.
This view makes me feel (a little) better about the flight duration.

01:40, Japanese time, we switch the lights back on.
I haven’t managed to sleep a wink and I’m at the end of my life, despite the friendly chats in the galley.

It’s time for me to spare a thought for a passenger who, following the events in the Middle East, has been rerouted on an Air France flight to travel in Economy Class, non-stop from KIX to CDG, to GRU and then, to THE. I can’t begin to imagine what state she’ll be in on arrival.

Meanwhile, for us, arrival is drawing near, but first, the ‘bon appétit’ bag makes its appearance at 02:20.
Whilst the presentation may be a bit hit-and-miss, the content ultimately holds its own against what KL served us on arrival at KIX.
The cheese pastry is also rather good here.
You can also make yourself a small tuna and vegetable sandwich using the ingredients provided.

It’s 3.00 am, and the "zombie trio" is holding its breath.
Copax Senior has managed a few hours’ sleep (the "privilege of age"), but we’re now losing copax Junior to utter exhaustion.

The flight deck tells us we’ll arrive on time. It’s about time we switched to local time.
The second sunset of the day will soon be upon us 

The last hour of the flight went smoothly, and we touched down gently on the runway at CDG at 7.33 pm.
While the landing was gentle, the hard braking certainly woke us up! 

We arrive at T2E-Hall M at 7.40 pm. It’s… deserted.
It makes you wonder why we’ve been parked there.

Getting off through J cabin will give me the chance to see and try out the famous mattress topper, which does seem rather thin to me, though.
Still, I need to find a way to test it.
It’s worth noting that J cabin is a big mess after the departure of its passengers. 

It is 7.50 pm; we are getting off the plane.

The T2E-M concourse – it’s deserted, I tell you.

I’m bound to have a little ride with the LISA (internal automatic train).
I’ll take this opportunity to give some explanation about how it works here to copax Senior, who’ll now be flying out of CDG after decades of flying out of ORY.

One last burst of energy as a Flight Reporter before I’ve got just one thing on my mind: getting home as quickly as possible to have a shower and go to bed. 

We’ll get through passport control very quickly (e-gate).
Copax Junior is now able to go through on its own as he's above 12 yo.

Totally exhausted, we’re making our way to Carousel 33, where we’ll be treated to a speedy delivery.
Let’s enjoy the promise kept for Sky Priority baggage. 

We’ll be in the Uber at 8.30 pm, picked up by a very friendly driver who’ll get us home safely with some excellent driving.
It’s also worth noting how deserted CDG is for a Friday evening at the end of the school holidays: where have all the people gone?

To conclude, here is the FR24 track of this flight, which marks the longest flight I’ve ever performed since my very first take-off, my first "round-the-world" trip, and finally, my first trans-Pacific flight.
I’ll savour it later, as right now, in this Uber, fatigue overshadows any sense of joy.

Finally, just so you know, Japan is as beautiful as ever.

See you soon.