DEPARTURE

Remarkably smooth at Central Station. I checked in my bags and got a boarding pass in 2 minutes. Cathay lounge (used by Aeroflot) was a disappointment and closed completely about 50 minutes before the flight left.


CABIN

Smart new business class in dark blue, light blue and orange. Very well done


SEATING

The new business class is just like TAP. The seat slides a long way under the one in front. Without an extra pillow, your feet are jammed up against the (hard) end of the space under the seat. Pitch is relatively small so it's difficult for the person in the window seat to get out.


CATERING

I had ordered a strict vegetarian meal but the crew kept pointing to the cheese, cream and pasta option on the menu. I gave up and went to sleep. I didn't wake up in time for breakfast. This is the first time Aeroflot has ever missed a special meal for me.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

The crew were unusually stiff -- not at all normal Russian hospitality. But they were nice enough. The first drinks round was a bit slow but service picked up after that.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

I was one of the first off so I got through the transit desk fast but it would have been a long wait otherwise. The Moscow business-class transit lounge is old but comfortable with a good choice of food and snacks and an Internet lounge.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

The new business class seats don't work well when the plane is full. I was travelling HKG-LHR and it cost half of the cheapest direct business class fare. Excellent value at that price.


CUSTOMER RANKING