I have used their services 6 times this year so far and on numerous occasions in past years mainly for flights between UK and Russia but also within Russia itself.
I still remember reading bad press about safety and service of this airline few years back. And some of it must have been true particularly on their internal flights. What somehow was always missing in the information is that since collapse of Soviet Union a lot of Aeroflot's older planes were sold to some doggy airlines which did not even have enough finance to repaint their planes. I remember reading that instead of 1 national airline there was suddenly well over 300 operating within ex Soviet Union territory.
Enough of history.
Today's Aeroflot is still biggest Russian Airline, which operates fleet of new, modern planes both on their internal and international flights.
Within Russia they still use older Russian build planes on some routes but those are well kept and they are getting replaced by new ones.
They offer very competetive fares and most of their fares ( even cheapest ones) can be changed. Different fees do apply though, so, always check your fare conditions.
Their flights are bookable online with online travel agents or on Aeroflot's website but because of Russian law at present they do not offer Eticketing. However, if you book directly with them you can easily collect your paper ticket at the airport before departure.
It is useful to know that if you travel on a short notice, you can simply call their office and make reservation over the phone and pay for it in full once at the airport. There is no extra charge for that and they have cheap fares available they would offer it to you.
On my opinion, this is big advantage against other airlines (BA for example) where if you buy your ticket on the day or 1-2 days before, you always end paying huge sums of money.
ONCE ONBOARD
For their medium hall flights (London - Moscow, Zurich - Moscow, Paris - Moscow etc) Aeroflot uses modern fleet of A320 Very well designed, clean cabins with comphortable sitting in economy and one of the best business class product in medium hall market.
Interesting to know, that Aeroflot still allows extra time after each flight for it's planes to be properly cleaned contrary to many major airlines.
In Economy you always offered choice of hot meal ( meat or fish for example) and soft drinks. Special meals are bookable in advance and since February 2006 alchogolic drinks are paid for separately. Unfortunately there is no entertainment in medium hall flights but plenty of magazines are available.
In Business you get fantastic seats, excellent full menu service with proper Russian hospitality. A DVD player with a good selection of films is also on offer.
Aeroflot's crew is probably one of the best dressed among airlines. Rarely, you might find that their English is not of greatest standard, but you will still be able to get what you want.
I have experienced best, softest landings with this company' s pilots.
LOYALITY PROGRAMME
Aeroflot offers one of the most generous milege allowances in it's frequent flyer programme ("AEROFLOT BONUS). Earlier this year they have joined "Sky Team" which includes KLM, Air France and other airlines so collecting miles became even easier
Overall, I would easily reccommend this airline for anybody's use. As with any airline, there are probably days when things go wrong (delays etc) but so far I yet to experience it with them
If you like reading about airline expiriences, you might want to check my other reviews about airlines.
Thanks for checking and Happy flying! Summary: Great competitive airline, fast growing and developing!
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Hi, having flown Aeroflot 50-60 times over the past five years, Id agree with most of what you say. I've found the crews on the Boeings and Airbus a bit cold, but on the Tupolevs and Ilyushins most of them are nice and helpful. Food is good, and so is the vodka! Cheers, VB
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Advantages: Cheap if you just want to be transported and you dont need your luggage Disadvantages: not very friendly, luggage always late, badly organized, food is very poor
robg336699 28.10.2007 (27.10.2007)
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Review of Aeroflot
Sep 17th, 2006
very helpful by (67%):
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