AF083 SFO-CDG 22/7/2010

IMO, a very poor show from a major EU flag carrier! Your average fare paying passenger is not interested in airline balance sheets, cabin refurbishment schedules and wether or not an aircraft is ‘tired’. These circumstances should not be an excuse for expecting a passenger to sit and look at this rubbish for in excess of 10 hours. The many flights that I took with Soviet and east european carriers, and believe me there were many, never exhibited cabins looking as grotty as that. If I were KLM I would be kicking AFs a**e and get them to ensure the cabin standards improve and match those of the Dutch partner. We are after all talking about a major flag carrier operating a fairly prestigious, long haul route which should feature an aircraft of an appropriate standard and able to ensure the very best for the customer, as enjoyed by myself recently with Emirates. To many these images may seem trivial, but in a ‘front of house’ situation, its poor. Having in the last few weeks flown a long haul sector with LH which was also operated by a 747-400, IMO there is no contest and no excuse.

One man’s meat is another man’s poison I guess.

AF has been so bad for so long, I wonder how they continue to stay in service. Unconsciously, I always place them in the “quasi-state run” category that several European carriers seem to enjoy in their nationalistic countries. Lacking that as an explanation, ie., “indirect” state support, I’m at a loss to understand how they maintain their standing as a respected world carrier.

Rather funny comment when one considers that AF/KLM has been one of the most profitable airline worldwide over the past ten years.

Rather funny comment when one takes into account the tens of billions pumped by the US government into american airlines over the past decade to keep them afloat.

Rather funny comment when one takes into account the service quality on US airlines. Took UA, CC and AA transatlantic over the past year, and between the cancelled connections in Chicago, the 90 minutes line up to speak to an agent to get rerouted, the crappy food on board, et al., I say give me AF any day. At least, I don’t get screamed at on AF because I loiter next to the bathroom. And don’t even get me started on US domestic flights.

Rather funny comment if one compares the number of day BA and AF personnel have been on strike over the past few years.

Ahh a good ole peice of Aviation Gaffer Tape, again it can fix anything on an aircraft hehehe

AF has been so bad for so long, I wonder how they continue to stay in service. Unconsciously, I always place them in the “quasi-state run” category that several European carriers seem to enjoy in their nationalistic countries. Lacking that as an explanation, ie., “indirect” state support, I’m at a loss to understand how they maintain their standing as a respected world carrier.

Yes. I can’t remember the name of the operation: maybe Aerowings or something.
The customer service standards were a little slipshod, just like AF’s can be sometimes.

I have not been overly impressed with AF. I most recently flew on one of their ATR 72’s (LHR-CDG) and it wasn’t the best of flights for all sorts of reasons.
The return leg was on a BA A319. This was a much more agreeable experience. I just wish they’d sort out their industrial relations.

Well AF doesn’t operate any ATR but some partner airline operate them under AF colors.
However it was certainly AF’s customer service standards…

I have not been overly impressed with AF. I most recently flew on one of their ATR 72’s (LHR-CDG) and it wasn’t the best of flights for all sorts of reasons.
The return leg was on a BA A319. This was a much more agreeable experience. I just wish they’d sort out their industrial relations.

They say in this industry 1 bad review reaches a thousand or so people, where as 1 good review only reaches a couple of dozen.

In AF’s defence, I wouldn’t say the plane was a wreck. Perhaps just ‘tired’ or aged. Unfortunately, for airlines, passengers expect exceptional interior now-a-days for a low price. And with a fleet the size of AF’s, it must cost a lot and take a long time to upgrade their whole fleet. But I generally agree – I wouldn’t enjoy flying in that aircraft.

Well you’re right maybe not a wreck, but …….let’s say very old.
I can understand that the plane himself is old , but the seat can be easily replaced…. Just a disgrace

I am sure Hand didn’t mean it was literally a wreck. 😀

Anyway I have traveled with AF onto OSL twice and both times the flights were well below average, i just stick to AY or LH now.

They say in this industry 1 bad review reaches a thousand or so people, where as 1 good review only reaches a couple of dozen.

In AF’s defence, I wouldn’t say the plane was a wreck. Perhaps just ‘tired’ or aged. Unfortunately, for airlines, passengers expect exceptional interior now-a-days for a low price. And with a fleet the size of AF’s, it must cost a lot and take a long time to upgrade their whole fleet. But I generally agree – I wouldn’t enjoy flying in that aircraft.