[donaldbane]

I had the misfortune of traveling with Air France last week from New York to Valencia, changing in Paris. I travel from the USA to Europe at least 5 times a year but this was the first - and last - time with Air France. I arrived at JFK and was told by the guy at the check-in that the plane was completely full and that although I was confirmed on the flight I would have to stand aside 'with those other people' until I could be found a seat. His supervisor then had a word with him and it seems that as I was a man and in a reasonably fit condition I could have a seat by the emergency exit if I would agree to be of assistance in an emergency. In my haste to be sure to get aboard I agreed. Although these seats are sought after by most people because of the extra leg room I do not like sitting in them. I got to the boarding gate to find that the flight was delayed by half an hour due to 'technical problems'. That was extended to 2 hours at which time we were invited to come to the gate and get a voucher for 'something to eat and drink'. The value of the voucher? US$7! I dare you to find something to eat and drink at any airport - never mind JFK - for $7.
After another hour we boarded the plane and spent the next hour and a half taxi-ing to the runway.
The video screen in my seat did not work so it was a boring flight. It was anything but boring after arrival tho.
Anyone with a flight connection - and that was most of the people on board - missed it! I can assure you that there were people in a far worse situation than me regarding onward flights - but this is my story. As I lined up at the Air France desk - along with everyone else - for new instructions I could hear the staff telling people that the flight had been delayed because the aircraft had been hit by lightning and therefore Air France was not responsible for the passengers wellbeing while they were waiting for new onward flights - for up to 2 days in some cases (one lady working with the UN was flying on to Africa) . In my case the wait for my one and a half hour trip to Valencia would be 8 hours. I live in New York and although it had been raining that day there was no lightning so I turned to the people in the line and said in a loud voice "Do not accept their story about a lightning strike - it was a technical problem and they are responsible for looking after us". The Air France staff were furious and told me to be quiet or they would call the police. They said that they would tell the passengers what the problem was. I said I could speak to the people if I wanted to. It then degenerated into a slaging match - but they did not call the police. I had an 8 hour wait without so much as another $7!
I hope you dont mind this long-winded account but I guess I needed to get it out of my system.
No matter what anyone says on this website - Air France is THE worst airline
PS - my nightmare continued when I arrived in Valencia and my bag was not onboard! If you can stomach anymore from me then please see my reply in the thread "Air Europa is the worst airline ever"