Comments on: Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:44:43 +0000 hourly 1 By: Bargain last-minute business class fares for the holidays | Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-27772 Bargain last-minute business class fares for the holidays | Upgrade: Travel Better Fri, 01 May 2009 23:22:53 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-27772 [...] got less risky - Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information - Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between - L’Avion (aff) Categorized in: L'Avion, business class, fare sale, open skies [...] [...] got less risky – Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information – Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between – L’Avion (aff) Categorized in: L’Avion, business class, fare sale, open skies [...]

]]> By: L’Avion to rebrand as OpenSkies, but with own cabin identity | Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-27125 L’Avion to rebrand as OpenSkies, but with own cabin identity | Upgrade: Travel Better Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:53:47 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-27125 [...] got less risky - Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information - Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between Categorized in: L'Avion, business class, open skies SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "L’Avion to [...] [...] got less risky – Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information – Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between Categorized in: L’Avion, business class, open skies SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “L’Avion to [...]

]]> By: Frederic http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-26379 Frederic Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:45:45 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-26379 The truth about l’avion… Recently flown on l’avion Airlines and would like to share my expérience ORY – EWR / Nov. 30 2008 a) Check in ORLY Airport .Quick, efficient and smiles .Security check, easy and fast but no fast lane b) Departure lounge .ICARE lounge is NOT a business class lounge, it is dirty, over crowded, and bad maintained. Poor choice of nuts, juices and wine. Small and unconfortable, with so small sofas that they look designed for children only .No private restroom, no free wifi access c) On board .New surprise security check, same as the first one, just before the plane door .Welcome smiles from the only 4 crew member. .No one hang up your coat, so don't wait for... .No preflight drink .Poor amenities case, bottle of water, pillow and blanket on your seat .New carpets, and overhead bins repainted in purple, but still a feelling of an old 757 (18y ?) .Old lavatories, no cup, d) The seat .All is manual, .More relax style than a true business class seat .Just 2y old, and already broken or tired, .Support lombar deflate but never inflate, .48" pitch is ok for seating position but unacceptable when the seat in front of you is in full recline position .The only row shown on pictures is the 11 (exit row) with the best pitch in plane e) The VOD .After take off, the crew offer you a 12" screen digital player .Easy to use, but the linux boot take a while .No battery, you must plug the AC/DC power inside the arm, then the wide of the seat is reduced and really unconfortable .No noise reduction heaset, but cheap earplug .Decent choice of movies, some in french, all in english .The main problem is you have no area to put the screen ; handled, on the tray, or fix on the seat pocket behind you is an unacceptable position. No remote control. f) The meal .No preflight drink .After VOD, the crew begins drink service .Limited choice, Champagne ok but cheap juices still presented in their low cost bottle .Bretzels bag, colored for children .Only one offer .No menu, no linen, but a sheet of gray paper .Tray comes with appetizer (good salmon), butter and cheese, no china but plastic, steel forks and knifes .Only one offer for bread .The entree, when you're seated at the end of the plane, is the usual beef or chicken of economy class, no more choice .Small portions, not enough for a decent meal .No expresso, but cafe or tea and chocolate box on a small tray with a brownie is your dessert .After dinner drink choice is limited to cognac and grand marnier .The snack before landing is a small tray with 2 toasts and a drink... near a joke .Of course nobody offer you more bread, drinks or ask you about your comfort during the flight .No open bar at the galley EWR – ORY / Dec 13 2008 a) Check in Newark Airport .Slow and unfriendly, 30 min wait just for 10 people before us .Security check point, easy and fast, fast lane available b) Departure lounge .JET AIRWAYS lounge is maybe a small business class lounge for JET AIRWAYS, but not designed to host both airlines .Located in a dark side of terminal B, before fast lane check point .Maybe a good buffet, but the lounge is so over crowded, that you can't find a free seat, and the only solution to snack is to visit the terminal food court... .No private restrooms, no free wifi access .The only choice is to bypass this "no-lounge" c) On board .Welcome smiles from the only 4 crew member. .No one hang up your coat, so don't wait for... .A surprise pre flight drink d) The seat .Same old plane e) The VOD .New decent choice of movies, some in french, all in english .Same useless video system player, still no correct position to place it f) The meal .NO aperitif service or nuts before dinner (remember the pre flight drink...) .No menu, no linen, but a sheet of gray paper .Tray comes with all your diner from appetizer to dessert .The choice is the usual beef or chicken of economy class .If you don't ask for coffee or tea of course don't expect the chocolate box... .The breakfast before landing is a small tray with croissant, bread, jam, fruits, yogourt and... same cheap orange juice g) Arrival .Just before landing the crew offer you a small mint candies box .No arrival lounge as you know... CONCLUSION .Before all, i'd like them to stop call this product "business class". It's a good well packaged premium economy but no more. .On many aspects, the description you read on l'avion website and the reality is different and will disappoint you .Consider what you expect for ; a seat better than economy class with more leg room, if you find a good price it could be a smart choice. A promotionnal rate of 900 euros (all taxes included) the maximum you should pay for. .If you a frequent business class flyer you should bypass this experience. Or maybe not, because, after a flight on l'avion any other true business class carrier seems you perfect... .If you fly from europe to US, and use l'avion as the first segment of your trip, be carefull. Correspondance is not guarantee because different airlines, and the one night stop over in Newark plus the domestic flight ticket will rise the bill above a promotional true business class ticket. The truth about l’avion…
Recently flown on l’avion Airlines and would like to share my expérience

ORY – EWR / Nov. 30 2008

a) Check in ORLY Airport
.Quick, efficient and smiles
.Security check, easy and fast but no fast lane

b) Departure lounge
.ICARE lounge is NOT a business class lounge, it is dirty, over crowded, and bad maintained. Poor choice of nuts, juices and wine. Small and unconfortable, with so small sofas that they look designed for children only
.No private restroom, no free wifi access

c) On board
.New surprise security check, same as the first one, just before the plane door
.Welcome smiles from the only 4 crew member.
.No one hang up your coat, so don’t wait for…
.No preflight drink
.Poor amenities case, bottle of water, pillow and blanket on your seat
.New carpets, and overhead bins repainted in purple, but still a feelling of an old 757 (18y ?)
.Old lavatories, no cup,

d) The seat
.All is manual,
.More relax style than a true business class seat
.Just 2y old, and already broken or tired,
.Support lombar deflate but never inflate,
.48″ pitch is ok for seating position but unacceptable when the seat in front of you is in full recline position
.The only row shown on pictures is the 11 (exit row) with the best pitch in plane

e) The VOD
.After take off, the crew offer you a 12″ screen digital player
.Easy to use, but the linux boot take a while
.No battery, you must plug the AC/DC power inside the arm, then the wide of the seat is reduced and really unconfortable
.No noise reduction heaset, but cheap earplug
.Decent choice of movies, some in french, all in english
.The main problem is you have no area to put the screen ; handled, on the tray, or fix on the seat pocket behind you is an unacceptable position. No remote control.

f) The meal
.No preflight drink
.After VOD, the crew begins drink service
.Limited choice, Champagne ok but cheap juices still presented in their low cost bottle
.Bretzels bag, colored for children
.Only one offer

.No menu, no linen, but a sheet of gray paper
.Tray comes with appetizer (good salmon), butter and cheese, no china but plastic, steel forks and knifes
.Only one offer for bread
.The entree, when you’re seated at the end of the plane, is the usual beef or chicken of economy class, no more choice
.Small portions, not enough for a decent meal
.No expresso, but cafe or tea and chocolate box on a small tray with a brownie is your dessert
.After dinner drink choice is limited to cognac and grand marnier

.The snack before landing is a small tray with 2 toasts and a drink… near a joke

.Of course nobody offer you more bread, drinks or ask you about your comfort during the flight
.No open bar at the galley

EWR – ORY / Dec 13 2008

a) Check in Newark Airport
.Slow and unfriendly, 30 min wait just for 10 people before us
.Security check point, easy and fast, fast lane available

b) Departure lounge
.JET AIRWAYS lounge is maybe a small business class lounge for JET AIRWAYS, but not designed to host both airlines
.Located in a dark side of terminal B, before fast lane check point
.Maybe a good buffet, but the lounge is so over crowded, that you can’t find a free seat, and the only solution to snack is to visit the terminal food court…
.No private restrooms, no free wifi access
.The only choice is to bypass this “no-lounge”

c) On board
.Welcome smiles from the only 4 crew member.
.No one hang up your coat, so don’t wait for…
.A surprise pre flight drink

d) The seat
.Same old plane

e) The VOD
.New decent choice of movies, some in french, all in english
.Same useless video system player, still no correct position to place it

f) The meal
.NO aperitif service or nuts before dinner (remember the pre flight drink…)
.No menu, no linen, but a sheet of gray paper
.Tray comes with all your diner from appetizer to dessert
.The choice is the usual beef or chicken of economy class
.If you don’t ask for coffee or tea of course don’t expect the chocolate box…

.The breakfast before landing is a small tray with croissant, bread, jam, fruits, yogourt and… same cheap orange juice

g) Arrival
.Just before landing the crew offer you a small mint candies box
.No arrival lounge as you know…

CONCLUSION

.Before all, i’d like them to stop call this product “business class”. It’s a good well packaged premium economy but no more.
.On many aspects, the description you read on l’avion website and the reality is different and will disappoint you
.Consider what you expect for ; a seat better than economy class with more leg room, if you find a good price it could be a smart choice. A promotionnal rate of 900 euros (all taxes included) the maximum you should pay for.

.If you a frequent business class flyer you should bypass this experience. Or maybe not, because, after a flight on l’avion any other true business class carrier seems you perfect…

.If you fly from europe to US, and use l’avion as the first segment of your trip, be carefull. Correspondance is not guarantee because different airlines, and the one night stop over in Newark plus the domestic flight ticket will rise the bill above a promotional true business class ticket.

]]> By: 2008 December 15 » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-26020 2008 December 15 » Upgrade: Travel Better Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:20:00 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-26020 [...] got less risky - Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information - Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between - L’Avion [...] [...] got less risky – Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information – Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between – L’Avion [...]

]]> By: Booking flights on L’Avion just got less risky » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-22373 Booking flights on L’Avion just got less risky » Upgrade: Travel Better Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:24:25 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-22373 [...] class airlines - Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information - Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between - L’Avion customer service: Meet your pilot and [...] [...] class airlines – Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information – Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between – L’Avion customer service: Meet your pilot and [...]

]]> By: Booking flights on L’Avion just got less risky » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-22368 Booking flights on L’Avion just got less risky » Upgrade: Travel Better Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:01:49 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-22368 [...] class airlines - Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information - Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between - L’Avion customer service: Meet your pilot and [...] [...] class airlines – Inside L’Avion, part un: a good seat but a shortage of fluids and information – Inside L’Avion, part deux: the airline that is betwixt and between – L’Avion customer service: Meet your pilot and [...]

]]> By: Short hops — November 28, 2007 — Mental anguish, healthy snacks, shameless self-promotion, and more » Upgrade: Travel Better http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-18241 Short hops — November 28, 2007 — Mental anguish, healthy snacks, shameless self-promotion, and more » Upgrade: Travel Better Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:58:56 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-18241 [...] point.) The L’Avion review certainly jives with previous reports from the field (here and here). Read his detailed post for the breakdown of what makes these discounted business class airilnes [...] [...] point.) The L’Avion review certainly jives with previous reports from the field (here and here). Read his detailed post for the breakdown of what makes these discounted business class airilnes [...]

]]> By: Louis Ravenet http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-16148 Louis Ravenet Mon, 03 Sep 2007 20:49:10 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-16148 As a frequent flyer between Paris and New York, I was ecstatic over the appearance of L'Avion -- a sort of premium economy class, with good seating and plenty of legroom. However, one caveat emerged from my dealings with L'Avion administration: the need to document every charge and change in itinerary. On more than one occasion, credit card charges were duplicated, changes in scheduling were "lost" and, sadly, promised return calls never materialized. Reluctantly, I was forced to protest the duplicate charges through the credit card. Characteristically, L'Avion never responded to the contested charge, and a credit was issued to me. I continue to fly L'Avion, and recommend it to my friends, but am sure to document all and any interactions with their Administration. As a frequent flyer between Paris and New York, I was ecstatic over the appearance of L’Avion — a sort of premium economy class, with good seating and plenty of legroom. However, one caveat emerged from my dealings with L’Avion administration: the need to document every charge and change in itinerary. On more than one occasion, credit card charges were duplicated, changes in scheduling were “lost” and, sadly, promised return calls never materialized. Reluctantly, I was forced to protest the duplicate charges through the credit card.

Characteristically, L’Avion never responded to the contested charge, and a credit was issued to me. I continue to fly L’Avion, and recommend it to my friends, but am sure to document all and any interactions with their Administration.

]]> By: Mark Ashley http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-15565 Mark Ashley Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:20:52 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-15565 ...why were flight attendants searching your carry-on bags?! …why were flight attendants searching your carry-on bags?!

]]> By: Phil Ward http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-15558 Phil Ward Wed, 18 Jul 2007 02:29:35 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2007/07/05/inside-lavion-part-deux-the-airline-that-is-betwixt-and-between/#comment-15558 Having flown on the same flight as Tyler from Newark to Orly, I agree re the lounge at EWR, Basic is the key word, No frills here. On the way back, to EWR, I encountered a brutal wait at customs at Orly that took over 1 hour and actually I was the last person on the plane at a few minutes after 2:00, the supposed take off time. I was harassed by a L'Avion representative for my tardiness. I asked her why she was harassing me due to the laziness and lack of support at her country's custom's officials? She shrugged and then her co-workers began a lengthy search of me and my personal carry on luggage, making me even more tardy for the flight. At that point all I could do was laugh at the rediculous situation. Once on board the food was better than on the trip from EWR to Paris, service was better and the seats the same. Wine was , eh, as I too am in the wine business and airline wine will, virtually, never meet my ideal. So all in all, I will fly L'Avion again and it still has its problems as do all airlines, imho. Having flown on the same flight as Tyler from Newark to Orly, I agree re the lounge at EWR, Basic is the key word, No frills here.
On the way back, to EWR, I encountered a brutal wait at customs at Orly that took over 1 hour and actually I was the last person on the plane at a few minutes after 2:00, the supposed take off time. I was harassed by a L’Avion representative for my tardiness. I asked her why she was harassing me due to the laziness and lack of support at her country’s custom’s officials? She shrugged and then her co-workers began a lengthy search of me and my personal carry on luggage, making me even more tardy for the flight. At that point all I could do was laugh at the rediculous situation.
Once on board the food was better than on the trip from EWR to Paris, service was better and the seats the same. Wine was , eh, as I too am in the wine business and airline wine will, virtually, never meet my ideal.
So all in all, I will fly L’Avion again and it still has its problems as do all airlines, imho.

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