Air France - A Mixed Bag (Air France in general)

Member Name: ultras67

Product:	Air France in general
Date:	26/08/00 (134 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Was the cheapest available

Disadvantages: Poor leg room, uncaring staff

I travelled with Air France from Glasgow to Bangkok via Paris.

The first leg was on a Embraer regional jet, it was certainly the smallest commercial jet I had ever flown. One seat, the aisle then two seats, thats it ! Having said that, the seats were comfortable and had good leg room available. The meal was good - trout and various vegetables and salad.

The main out leg was in an Airbus 340. I found that back in the cattle class there was not as much room as in the smaller jet and I was uncomfortable after only a few hours. The seats had these "head wings" that are supposedly there to support your head. Unfortunately, my ones moved as soon as my head touched them so gave no support at all. It was obviously an older plane as it did not yet have a seat back LCD screen.

The level of service left a lot to be desired as well. The "gentleman" in front already had his seat reclined all the way back before takeoff and only reluctantly put it upright for takeoff. As soon we were airborn the seat was slammed back almost breaking my kneecaps. Despite pleas to him and the stewards nothing was done. They would not even move me although I could see empty seats a few rows away. The stewards did not want to know even during the meal. Eating from a full tray that is sloping is not easy.

Also they would not let me keep my window blind up during the night. Every time they came round they would slam it shut and say something in French and would not repeat it in English when asked. I could understand it if the sun had been flooding in waking up other passengers but it was dark !

On the way back as is normal it was an almost midnight departure. After an hour I was asleep only to be woken up to be asked if i wanted something to eat. There should be a rule that allows people who are woken up by airline staff asking if you want something to eat to shoot them.

It was the same type of aircraft as before and again
I was very uncomfortable in only a short while. It may be my imagination but I found the 747 better.

I can only hope that the A3XX - to be fair, the airlines who operate it - give us poor cattle more room in the back than the current long haul choices rather than cramming in more seats.

I paid £452 and I had the chance to fly KLM for an extra £10. Next time, I will pay the extra.

Summary: