Flight AF5081 operated by an AVRO 85 to Paris

Booked the flight about four months prior to travel for travel over the August bank holiday weekend, the cost of the flights was reasonable at €180 return. I have traveled on the Air France in the past, so had good expectations.

Check in at Shannon was a breeze; there were two check in desks and the agents were polite and efficient. Boarding was organized and straight forward, with no rugby scrum to get on board. Upon boarding the aircraft which appeared to be quite new, the plane itself was spotless; the seats were leather and very comfortable, with good leg room even though I am over six foot tall.

Once boarding was complete, the captain introduced himself and announced due to congestion over London there would be a delay of an hour. He advised there were trying to arrange an alternative route to CDG with air traffic control. The cabin crew came around with refresher towels for each of the passengers. After about twenty minutes the flight pushed back and departed to Paris.

In-flight service was very good with the crew offering a breakfast snack of a croissant or chocolate pastry with a juice drink and tea or coffee. The crew then made a second pass in the cabin with more drinks about an hour into the flight. The flight was smooth, with most people choosing to have a sleep.

The landing was very smooth, there was a long taxi to our parking place and we where then bused to the terminal.

Flight AF5082 operated by an AVRO 85 to Shannon

Return flight after a weekend in Paris, check in was straight forward with the self checking in machines and then we dropped the bags at the bag drop desk. Having the 20kgs baggage allowance offers extra flexibility when traveling as I always pick up a few extra things.

Boarding was completed quickly, and again we were transported to the aircraft by bus. The crew members on board were friendly and did all announcements in both French and English.

The flight this time took off on time, soon after takeoff the crew member started the in-flight service, which consisted of a choice sandwiches and a bottle of wine, the crew came around later in the flight with tea and coffee.

The flight was comfortable, good seat pitch and comfortable seats. We flight landed on time in Shannon, and after quickly clearing immigration, I was able to collect my bag, which arrived within a few minutes.

Overall two very good flights, I have used Air France in the past and their service has not let me down. I was traveling with a friend this time, who was on Air France for the first time and was impressed with the service.