DEPARTURE
After a short 10 minute wait, check-in was handled in a friendly and efficient manner. Boarding was
orderly, with passengers at the rear of the aircraft seated first. Boarding began about 45 minutes
prior to scheduled takeoff and was completed in about 20 minutes. However, push back was delayed
until about 30 minutes after scheduled departure because of delays in loading baggage and
airfreight. No explanatory announcements were made.
CABIN
The cabin of the A340 was clean and nicely decorated. Toilets were clean, and remained so throughout the flight.
SEATING
Seating was standard economy - not especially comfortable, but adequate. The amenities offered
consisted of an eye mask, headphones, ear plugs, and a towlette, but no toothbrush/toothpaste or socks.
CATERING
Two meal choices were offered, and the beef burgundy meal was quite good, along with the salad,
bread, desert, etc. Complimentary champagne was a nice touch, and of course wine, beer, etc. are complimentary.
INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
IFE was very good, with a number of motion pictures on offer, plus music, TV shows, etc. Screens
were small, but adequate, and located in the seat backs.
CABIN STAFF SERVICE
Cabin staff were very efficient, polite and friendly. The cabin crew pretty much disappeared after
the meal service, however, it was made clear that beverages would be available upon request. Overall
I would rate the on-board service as very good.
FLIGHT ARRIVAL
Despite a late departure from DTW, the flight landed just about on schedule. Deplaning was at a "bus
gate", and entailed a rather long ride around the airport to the terminal plus a long wait to get
off the bus upon arrival. The baggage arrived about 10 minutes after we entered the baggage claim
area. We collected our bags and exited the airport about 60 minutes after scheduled arrival.
CUSTOMER VERDICT
After reading some pretty negative reviews of AF, I was pleasantly surprised by my flight
experience. On transatlantic flights in economy, I would rate AF third following BA and LH, but
definitely ahead of the US flag carriers.
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