Air France Review (Paris CDG to Hong Kong), BOEING 777-200ER

An Air France Boeing 777-300 at CDG- check out those HUGE Engines!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh

Route: Paris CDG- Hong Kong

Departure date and time of flight: 13:45pm on the 7th December 2009

Flight Number: AF184

Flight duration: 11h 20 minutes

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Boeing 777-200

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight was delayed taking off by around 20 minutes due to the afternoon traffic at Paris CDG- the taxi to the runway took a very long time (perhaps around 20 minutes).

Any baggage issues:

This was a connecting flight that I took from London Heathrow to Hong Kong via CDG. Now, as far as I was concerned, everything seemed to be OK until I arrived at Hong Kong. The Air France ground staff at the arrivals desk assumed that my baggage was on the next plane in from CDG (due to arrive in the morning). I was informed that I can spend around 100 EUROS on anything I would like until I get my baggage. To my surprise the baggage arrived 2 days late (actually three days if one takes into account the time difference between Europe and Asia). I have heard from a lot of other people that they also had issues with Air France, and when I was at CDG Airport I do recall meeting couple mentioning in frustration that they have experienced baggage problems with Air France many times (were they just unlucky?!)

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

I was on a connecting flight in from London Heathrow to Hong Kong. There was a HUGE queue for the security and the transfer check-in area prior to the boarding gates. Though the staff were polite and considerate. There were no major problems on the whole-just the feeling that I may miss my connecting flight! (but it was all handled well by the local staff).

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

A Yellow coloured packet of Croccentelle Bux olives (pretzels) was served, along with drinks (choice of orange juice, apple juice and other drinks), along with red or white wine. The pretzels were OK (fresh and salted).

Comments regarding the first meal:

Creamy pumpkin blended with cod and vegetables- Just LOVELY (especially when sprinkled with pepper) was the dish of the house. A neat bowl of salad consisting of diced tomatoes and onions was served with a delicious thin carpet of salmon. A meal on Air France would not be complete without the trademark French baguette (just the right size- not too long), a healthy portion of French cheese (camembert) and a serving of traditional French butter.

A fabulous helping of chocolate cream pudding made up for the pudding- as well as a fresh orange (taken from a French farm!). The cutlery was all plastic with a napkin in Air France colours.

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

Passengers could help themselves to the kitchen to get pot noodles, tea, coffee and other drinks (including Cognac and other spirits).

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

Breakfast was served around an hour and a half prior to landing at Paris CDG. There was a choice of either a Cantonese or a French breakfast. The only difference between the Cantonese and the French breakfast was that the Cantonese breakfast consisted of the signature “congee”, while the French breakfast consisted various slices of three kinds of cheese. The rest of the meal was standard- consisting of a healthy portion of bread (baguette and croissant), butter, orange juice, apple rice pudding and a pot of French yogurt (delicious!). Oh and of course there was the French frais (strawberry) jam. Loved every bite!!

A hot cup of tea or coffee (or green tea) were offered afterwards. The air hostesses offered another helping of the croissant to those that needed one. You just can’t argue with that high quality of service.

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

Passengers could watch a myriad of movies (French, Indian, Chinese, American, Spanish and British varieties were on offer), and music (all sorts). There were plenty of games to be played too. It was an action packed IFE system offered by Air France- however it being a night flight so not many passengers had time to watch the IFE (sleeping seemed more important in International airspace!).

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

Very professional. Actually the Air France staff are very helpful, polite and offer the best of French hospitality.

Improvements that could be made:

Perhaps Air France needs to make sure its baggage handling system is up to scratch! That’s the only thing that let this flight down- otherwise the in-flight service was great!

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