I recently returned from Manila on a flight from Air France and it was a mostly pleasant experience. This has been my second time as in comparison with airlines they are the best overall service, not to mention the cheapest at most times of the year.

I haven't got much to say about the Check-in facilities of Air France other than they were considerate enough to allow me to re-check in luggage at Charles De Gaulle, Paris airport hours before my next flight which they did at the business check-in, after I had pleaded with them to let me pass to the gates so I could meet up with someone. Sadly, British Airways didn't make the same allowances when I used their service at CDG airport to make my return flight to the UK.

I found that the space between seats was more plentiful than some other airlines I have used. They had a neat little TV screen, complete with radio, TV & movie channels. Although, the movie and TV channels really sucked as the choice was very biased towards the French and was very limited. There really wasn't a movie choice available for everyone's taste. Best of all was the built-in games which can keep you busy for hours, all controlled from a handy little pull-out controller which is fitted into the seat. My one critism about the games was that they were very slow to load and they lack interactivity with other passengers. Come on, it's about time they give us AF NetQuake or something equally enjoyable and time wasting!

Anyway, on both occasions that I have used Air France the flights took off very promptly and even the in flight time was reduced much to my delight. The onboard flight attendants were very quick to serve the first meal and even setup the drinks bar shortly afterwards. I had no problem with their service but I did find their attitude a little off. The female attendants especially were very obsessive and kept on forcefully pushing passenger's seats up straight without even asking. They wouldn't allow me to goto the toilets when the seat belt signs were on, despite the fact the turbulence had ended 5 minutes before. Instead I got into an arguement with the attendant that every other Tom, Dick and Henri had already managed to use their facilities before it came around to my turn. I couldn't get into the cubicle for ages due to the silly seatbelt sign not being switched off. Probably an oversight of the pilot I would guess. It seemed that the attendants lacked some common sense and don't realise that some people really do need to go! What I am trying to say is that the French attendants seem to lack manners and that is my one main critism of them.

On every AF flight I have been on, the food has always been top notch. It almost seems as if it is not airline food but in fact real French cuisine. The desserts are to die for and fruits are fresh. The choice in meals are good and very tasty they were too. Either of the 2 main choices could not be faulted. The bread is also very fresh, unlike the stale breadsticks on other airlines which you could probably hijack the plane with. The selection of wines were also very good and didn't disappoint. Even the breakfast sandwiches they make were certainly very satisfying and well prepared. The drinks bar catered for everyone's taste whenever you needed another drink. If you are really quick you can get the last of the beer and wine. They also provide mini sandwiches and pot noodles for anyone who is still a bit peckish. I can definately say you are well fed and watered on Air France flights.