Air France Flight Experience: D’Artagnan Is No Longer the Same, or the Modern Monsieur?
Air France, one of the oldest airlines in the world, doesn’t always live up to expectations in the modern age. A recent flight from Peru (Lima, Callao) through Paris (Charles de Gaulle Airport) to Athens and Bucharest provided many impressions and some surprises.
Flight Departure and Arrival: Timeliness and Transfer Nuances
The flight from Lima followed the schedule, although there was a delay upon arrival in Paris, which raised concerns about connections for those transferring to the Bucharest flight. Given the minor delay, the risk of missing connecting flights is high, so passengers transferring through Paris should plan extra time.
Language Barrier and Information Services on Air France
One of the most unexpected problems was the language service. Despite the international status of the airline, announcements on board were primarily in French. English was used only occasionally, and Russian was not available. If you don’t speak French, it can be difficult to understand instructions. Flight attendants occasionally repeat information during meal service, but if you miss the moment and fall asleep, they may ignore you.
Minimal Comfort and Lack of Standard Amenities
Long flights usually come with a set of passenger comforts, such as slippers, earplugs, toothpaste, socks, and sleep masks. However, Air France seems to have forgotten about these small details.
The food on board was also minimal: one full meal and a light breakfast consisting of a roll, butter, jam, fruit, and dessert. For a long flight, this was a modest menu. If you want an extra snack, such as a sandwich, flight attendants will ask in surprise whether you are actually hungry, despite the long gap since the last meal.
In-Flight Entertainment and Lack of Alcohol
The entertainment system was disappointing: modern movies were almost non-existent, and the navigation through the menu was confusing. Even after selecting Russian, the system continued to offer French.
Previously, heavy alcohol was available, but now only small bottles of red or white wine are offered. If you ask for two bottles, be prepared for the surprise of the attendants. The key here is to stay persistent!
Toilet Etiquette and Morning Routines
A couple of hours before landing, a mass of passengers starts heading to the toilets. The queues grow quickly, and the cleanliness of the cabins decreases by the minute. So, for those who want to brush their teeth or wash their face, it’s better to hurry and queue up early.
Short Flights: Food and Entertainment
On shorter Air France flights, everything becomes even more “concise.” For food, they offer a galette or a sandwich with cheese or meat. Unfortunately, the cheese sandwich didn’t meet expectations: instead of a French roll and cheese, passengers received slices of rye bread with cucumber and a white spread. The entertainment, like the food, left much to be desired — all that’s left to do is watch your neighbors and learn a new word: “monsieur.”
Conclusion: Is It Worth Flying with Air France?
Air France is an airline with a rich history and a good reputation, but based on this experience, their services need improvement. Language barrier issues, lack of basic amenities on board, and a modest menu make the flight less comfortable than expected from a leading carrier. Therefore, if you choose Air France, consider these factors, especially if you don’t speak French and value comfort during long flights.
Planning a trip? Don’t forget to pack a travel first-aid kit!