DEPARTURE

Air France lounges (for Skyteam elite plus passengers and their guest) are pleasant. Food could be improved and so could the number of computers available, but the selection of magasines is excellent. As our connecting LHR-CDG flight was late we were escorted from between the terminals and ended up having a bit of time to spare.


CABIN

Air France long haul cabin is always very pleasant. I like the alternation of red and blue rugs and pillows, and the amenity kit is nice and features excellent headphones that you are told you can keep. The Boeing 777 used on the route is a good airplane, although I prefer the Airbus A330 and A340. All of these planes feature an excellent individual entertainment system with lots of French and international films, games, etc. as well as the flight tracker.


SEATING

3x3x3 in economy which is less pleasant than the 2-4-2 of the Airbus A330 and A340, but more so than on Boeing 747. The seats looked new and are comfortable.


CATERING

Top class. Two hot meals between Paris and Buenos Aires, then the stop in Buenos Aires when you get served nice finger food in the lounge, then another hot meal between Buenos Aires and Santiago (2 hours flying over the Andes - a delight!) Drink selection is excellent, including champagne unlike virtually any other airline, and the contents of the meal was brilliant throughout.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Very nice and friendly. A stewardess even went to get us some herbal tea from business class because we did not fancy the normal beverage! I also liked the fact that despite my fears, we did not have to wait in a stupid transit room in Buenos Aires but could stay in the terminal.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Good, but nothing special.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

An excellent flight. I feared the 17 hours (13 to Buenos Aires, 2 in transit, 2 again to Santiago) but it felt shorter than many 6 hour flights with other airlines. Air France impressed me and should keep working hard to serve passengers well.


CUSTOMER RANKING