This hat doesn't make me look that trustworthy, I know! I am - trust me! Still smoking! Still tel...
This hat doesn't make me look that trustworthy, I know! I am - trust me! Still smoking! Still telling it as it is! That's just how I am! Andrew
Member since:31.10.2002
Reviews:80
Members who trust:61
Aeroflot is the airline that everyone really loves to hate. I like them. I ought to have a badge! It's a huge shame, really. Yes - they have their downsides, but our experience turned out OK! Take an open mind and you'll be fine. Think: "It's just a mode of transport". Fly in the face of criticism!
We flew from London Heathrow to MoscowSheremetyevo and back last year. The outward flight was on an Airbus A310 and the return flight was on a very modern Boeing 777. I might very well think twice about boarding a rickety Tupolev, but these particular aircraft were fine. No worries there!
Upon arrival at Heathrow, dressed to impress and hoping for an upgrade to business class,
we were disappointed to be told that there was an indefinite delay. We were checked in, and were given some vouchers for refreshments. These things happen with any airline. We made our way into the departure lounge and enjoyed some free food in the terminal before wandering over to the Aeroflot desk to see what the state of play was.
Pandemonium!
The flight had actually been cancelled and there was an irate mob having a go at the hapless staff. I actually managed to grab a microphone and made a witty announcement (at Aeroflot's expense) over the airport tannoy! This calmed people down considerably and eased tempers a bit. The flight was going to be delayed 12 hours, it transpired. More food vouchers. The staff tried to check people in for the next flight, in order of the serial numbers on pre-issued boarding cards. Chaos! I, again, grabbed the microphone and took control, calling people up when it was their turn. And I didn't jump the queue, before you ask! We all ended up having quite a lot of fun, as it happens.
Amanda, my wife, was pregnant at the time (my fault) and the delay, naturally, was all getting a bit too much. After pointing this out to the supervisor (who was clearly grateful for my help in placating the mob), I managed to secure an upgrade to First Class. Great! Tickety-boo! Off we went to the quiet oasis of the Air France executive lounge to await the eventual departure at midnight.
Departure time finally arrived and we boarded the 'plane. We did a short taxi around the airport and then - horror of all horrors - came to a halt. Apparently, it was now too late to take off. Heathrow is not a 24 hour operation. Well, the cockpit got stormed (quite unbelievable), the captain got harangued and - would you believe it - we got a take-off slot. I sank back into my first-class armchair, finished off a vodka or three and slept soundly through the flight; something I never do. We arrived at a ridiculously early hour in the morning in Moscow and discovered the next advantage in being in row 1 on the 'plane - you get through the notoriously officious Russian customs in no time whatsoever. Inconvenient, yes, but quite an adventure.
The return flight, on a very clean and comfortable B777, was rather less eventful. We'd stayed with some good friends in Moscow and they returned with us to London. Ashley did his usual trick of flying Business Class, whilst leaving us and his girlfriend (now wife) back in economy! (Apart from that, he's a great guy!). He had the decency to pay us a visit - if only to get rid of an unwanted profiterole! Was it charity - or a gloat? Who cares? We were actually quite happy in economy.
As I settled down to enjoy the flight and listen to some music on my complimentary headphones, I got a nudge in the ribs from Amanda. "You just HAVE to watch the in-flight movie", she said. I tuned in to the film, entitled "You must not insult women". Dubbed into English by just one, female voice, the soundtrack was nothing short of hilarious. A factual, yet totally emotionless rendition of what was going on - no more, no less. I was in tears of laughter throughout the flight.
A real experience! First class was simply great and, with a film like that on the return journey, the slightly cramped conditions of economy class went entirely un-noticed.
Would I recommend? Yes, I think I would. The only problem was the 12 hour outward delay - and that can happen on any airline, to be honest; the upgrade to first class more than made up for it. I understand that the delay was due to a cabin crew strike. I'm sure that in the past this would either have been unheard of, or would have resulted in a few summary executions. It must have been a first!
All the best!
Andrew
PS - I am a member of the Aeroflot "Bonus" loyalty scheme. They sent me a birthday card this year and gave me a "present" of 1,000 miles. How cool is that?
Well Done Andy...spot on! I am married to a Russian lady so I travel Aeroflot quite a lot. I've only ever travelled from London to Moscow and back so can only comment on Aeroflot from this perspective. To be honest, apart from one slight problem with delays they've always been very good. Very comparable with the service I got from BA only much cheaper! I would recommend anyone to give them a try at least once. You may end up being pleasantly surprised!
andymcf 08.11.2002 02:05
An intersting fact - and I can't begin to think why! LOL!
Andrew
Shufflebum 03.11.2002 17:21
Did you know that these lot were the first passenger airline to install a lav on their planes?! Great op. Rach x
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Nov 1st, 2002
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