I flew from Manchester to Dubai, via AMS and as KL and AF are now partners (frogs in clogs?!), the return flight was with AF.

For whatever reason, I could not check in online; the AF system would only allow me to check in for my DXB-CDG flight. On arrival at DXB, check in staff member was very pleasant and efficient. Boarding was via bus to a parking stand at least a mile away, which meant a bus trip. The aircraft itself was a 777-300ER, which looked clean and impressive. Once on board, the cabin crew were pleasant and welcoming - all "bonsoir monsieur" and smiles.

Unfortunately, like KLM, AF has decided to reconfigure its 777-300ERs (although oddly, not its 777-200ERs) in a ten abreast layout. Zut alors! I had chosen a seat near the back, where the seats are in pairs and as the flight was not completely full, I had a free seat beside me. Even still, it was not comfortable; pitch is very poor, although in these paired seats, one can at least put one's feet in the space between the row in front and the side of the fuselage.

Departure was pretty much on time. I was looking forward to a nice hot meal. No. The small menu handed around signalled a cold meal, which turned out to be two sandwiches. Oh, and yoghurt. There would be a hot breakfast (an omelette). Drinks were available (there was a small "bar") beside the rear door.

The AVOD system worked well and there was no shortage of entertainment to help the hours fly by.

At all times, the crew were very helpful and as I got a very good deal, I cannot really complain about AF. That said, had I been on a longer flight than 6h, I would have been disappointed, particularly if the flight had been fairly full.

Next time, I would still pick AF (and certainly KLM), but would pick the A330 flight.