Air France Review (Hong Kong to Paris CDG)

Tailfin of Air France Boeing 777: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Route: Hong Kong to Paris CDG

Departure date and time of flight: 23:05pm on the 26th December 2009

Flight Number: AF185

Flight duration: 12h 30 minutes

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Boeing 777-300ER

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight departed on time and landed on time. Everything went smoothly.

Any baggage issues:

There were no baggage issues whatsoever. It was a lovely flight and everything went smoothly.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

I checked in early at Hong Kong, and had plenty of time to wander around the airport before making way to the boarding gates. There were no major issues to deal with.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

The pre-dinner snack consisted of pretzels served with a choice of drinks (orange juice, and others). A fresh slice of lemon was added to the drinks – it was a lovely touch and went well with the orange juice. Scrumptious at 37,000f eet! The red and white wines were, naturally, French. Nice choice too.

Comments regarding the first meal:

Dinner was served at the right time, around 35 minutes after departure. So we did not waste any time! The main dish consisted of a lovely portion of spinach, chicken breast, boiled potatoes and diced carrots. A healthy bowl of salad along with salad cream and mustard cream was presented. The presentation was immaculate. The bread was accompanied with goat’s cheese (can’t ask for anything more on Air France- it was of a very high-quality). Generous amounts of fresh fruit was presented with cut slices of mango and melon.

The highlight of any in-flight meal is a perfect pudding- and one could not go wrong with the apple crumble that was presented on this flight. Was it there to die for or what?!

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

Snacks were available in the galley on this all night flight from Hong Kong to Paris. Passengers could help themselves to Tea and coffee along with complimentary drinks.

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

The wake –up lights were turned on around an hour and half prior to landing at CDG airport- so it was time for breakfast! I took the chance to go to the rather clean Air France galley to brush my teeth and freshen up before I was served the morning meal.

The main dish consisted of a cold prawn salad with a slice of lemon to sprinkle on to the food (The Chinese dish was a bowl of congee). A lovely apple danish pastry was accompanied with fresh orange juice, yogurt and a bowl of fruit (fresh dragon fruit packed in Hong Kong was eaten somewhere over the south of France! Priceless).

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

An assortment of IFE was offered (movies, music and games).

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

Very professional. Actually Air France crew are very well trained and professional on long haul flights.

Improvements that could be made:

Perhaps offer a bit more on long haul breakfast dishes (and not just simple salad?)

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

All of Air France’s seats are beautifully covered with seat covers that are coloured in blue, red and white (representing the national flag). The planes are clean and well maintained. 

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 9