As someone who commutes regularly between Nice and Brussels (see my previous reviews with Brussels Airlines for instance), it is unusual for me to take an indirect route. However, as I booked with very little advance, prices for Brussels Airlines’ direct flights were exorbitant. easyJet, meanwhile, has decided to suspend its Saturday services on the route, meaning I had no other option but to choose an itinerary with a stopover.
Thankfully, the Airbus A220 is a plane I have been wanting to try for some time now. Thrilled as I was to be able to fly it, it was also going to be my first time flying Air France. A more exciting journey awaited me, therefore, than what I was used to. My itinerary looked as follows:
Operator Sector Time Air France Nice to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) 12:30-14:05 SNCF (French rail operator) Paris (CDG) to Brussels-Midi Train Station (ZYR) 16:07-17:43
Air France IATA/ICAO Code AF/AFR Year Founded 1933 CEO Anne Rigail Expand
Check-in online
I try to check in online every time I fly, mostly so that I can arrive at the airport and go straight through to security unless I have a checked bag. This time, I had none. Instead, I had a half-full small suitcase to go in the overhead bins and a rucksack.
The online system did not work for me, though. I later found out that because I was traveling by train between Paris and Brussels-Midi, a second boarding pass would need to be issued at the train terminal in Charles de Gaulle. As someone who believes in the convenience and benefits of intermodal travel between the plane and the train, I was disappointed: it already sounds like a hassle.
This is only the case on the outbound leg. On my return leg (train from Brussels to Paris, plane onwards to Nice), I was able to check-in online. This is the case for all itinieraries
leaving
Brussels. For all travel that includes a train journey
to
Brussels, passengers have to get their boarding passes at Charles de Gaulle. An odd and inconvenient system, even if there are valid explanations, if you ask me.
Check-in at the desk
Upon arrival at Nice Airport using the free tram system that connects the train station at Grand Arénas with the two airport terminals (past Grand Arénas you need to pay), I made my way to the Air France check-in desk in Terminal 2. There, a staff member stood to check the destination I was flying to and ensure I was in the right place. I felt this was a warm welcome.
The same experience was not extended to non-French speakers, though. Given the number of tourists in the Côte d’Azur over the summer, an airline like Air France should absolutely offer English services as well. Behind me, an American family asked the staff member how to get to Terminal 1.
“Well that is absolutely not here. That way.”
I intervened knowing that that information was completely unhelpful, telling the family that they had to go downstairs, take the tram one stop to the other terminal. They thanked me and went on their way.
At the desk, the check-in agent was unbothered and not very welcoming at all. She issued my boarding pass and said I can be on my way. The same issue occurred for non-French speakers; to the desk on my right, a woman’s baggage was overweight, prompting the French gate agent to essentially scream at her in broken English.
Security and boarding
Security was really quick, as is typically the case at terminal 2 in Nice. Within five minutes I was through, and I made my way to the gate. I had to wait about an hour before my flight began boarding. I sat down, did a bit of work, and had a bite to eat.
Before long it was time to board and I joined the long line of people. To my dismay, the same gate agent was here to cross-reference my ID card with my ticket. This time she wished me a pleasant flight – and, even if it sounded fake, it was a nice gesture.
We were waiting in the jetbridge for a while as I was one of the last to board, being in group 5. Once on the plane, I was greeted by the warm crew and a wet wipe to clean my hands and the surfaces. The plane was airy, open and felt extremely modern. I walked to the end of the cabin and attempted to find a place to store my larger cabin bag. The cabin crew directed me to an overhead bin with space and I sat down. We had a little chat, and she double-checked the time of my train connection to make sure that I would make it, as we were delayed by 15 minutes.
The seat and service
The seat was extremely comfortable. I had more than sufficient legroom, plenty of under-seat space for my feet. I really liked the fact that the A220 has a 3-2 cabin layout with Air France; the best way to describe it would be a regional version of the A320neo. The seats have the same (or arguably better) levels of comfort, the cabin feels wide and modern and the bins have plenty of space.
The seat also features individual USB ports and USB-C ports which is extremely convenient. In addition, it has a phone-holding contraption that allows passengers to stream movies on their own devices and fit it onto the seat itself. Finally, there is also a cup holder, tray table and two seat pockets.
Shortly after takeoff, a snack and beverage service began despite this being a roughly 1 hour 30 minute domestic flight. The surprises did not stop there as there was a wide selection of juices and soft drinks. I opted for a tea and was then asked whether I wanted a sweet or salty snack. While insignificant in the grand scheme of things, I was surprised that I was given the choice in the first place, which was very nice.
Photo: Dillon Shah | Simple Flying
The cabin crew was warm, kind, and professional.
Arrival in Paris
On my way out of the plane, the pilot, accompanied by the purser, came out to say goodbye to the passengers. I made my way through the jetbridge at Terminal 2F and went towards the train station, which was fairly easy to get to.
Photo: Dillon Shah | Simple Flying
After a long walk, I arrived and made my way to the Air&Rail reception desk for the service to Brussels. My boarding pass was issued, and I was informed of a 20-minute delay to my train.