Dec 07, 2008 11:40 AM
12962 Views
I recently travelled from Mumbai-Paris-San Francisco via Air France. My overall experience has been very good compared to the last couple on Air India or Northwest or even BA, for that matter. I cannot comment on the booking ease since my agent did it but the online checkin was quite messy with their asking for different information that was not, at first sight, easily locatable on the ticket.
We were a little delayed in Mumbai and the Air France gate is unfortunately one shared by multiple airlines. Thus there were no staff to inform us of the delay at Gate 4. But when they eventually did arrive, they took absolute control and kept us informed that the flight was about half hour late.
Boarding was quite comfortable but perhaps so because the flight was not 100% full. They announced a particular sequence but abandoned it as soon as they had boarded the first few passengers!
Overhead cabin space was good and the in-flight staff was very helpful in getting everyone settle their baggage in. Infact, the staff was perhaps the best part of the flight - very helpful despite their limited control over English, very prompt and orderly. After all had been seated and we took off, the first thing they did was to tag seats with a sort-of lable that I later realized was indicative of who had asked for special meals. This simple activity made it easier for them to serve the right stuff.
Food was good - especially getting good Veg on the Paris-Frisco leg was not expected. But it was better than that served by Air India.
All in all, a great experience and will look at flying back on this airline.
