Post by ronturner on Mar 2, 2015 9:28:00 GMT 1
For our annual visit to see our daughter and grand children in Orlando, we chose Icelandair Paris/Keflavik/Sanford.
A five hour drive from home took us to the west of Paris where our friend garaged our car for 10 weeks, hosted a nice meal, a room for the night and took us to CDG terminal 1 the next day. We pulled up directly to the terminal, free for 10 minutes and checked in Economy class.
The flight to Keflavik was full but Ok and on time. On arrival we landed on a very snowy runway and were shocked to find that we had to descend down slippery steps and walk across the icy tarmac to the terminal. We had time to eat a meal rather than buy something on the flight.
The next flight to Orlando was Ok and not full, so we enjoyed a row of seats on the 757 between us.
Sanford was calm and trouble free on arrival.
For the return, we had reserved economy comfort seating. This is advertised as a standard row of three on the 757 with the centre seat not sold. the seat pitch is greater, full in flight service and use of the lounges.
The flight left Sanford three and a half hours late due to an electrical problem requiring a new part to be brought in from Orlando. The use of the lounge was appreciated. The check in and security check at Sanford was efficient and speedy.
On boarding we were surprised and pleased to find that our seats were not as advertised but the same as in Saga Class (Sort of Business/first), although the cabin service was at the economy comfort level. In fact we enjoyed a meal of chicken with rice and mango, which was one of the best offerings I have ever tasted in all my flying adventures. With free wine, coffee and something stronger we settled into those seats for a sleep and were awakened just before touch down missing breakfast completely.
Once again the aerodrome was covered in snow, but this time we had air bridge connection.
Of course, we missed our flight to Paris, but on arrival we were given an envelope, already prepared, with a hotel voucher, transport, three meals, and re booked flights for the next day.
The hotel was excellent in every respect.
I had two complaints only. I would like to have checked our bags, immediately for Paris the next day. This was not possible so we had to haul them (Two each plus carry on), and the bus to the hotel was parked away from the terminal. only about 50 paces, but on ice, with snow falling and a howling gale it felt rather longer. With not a porter in sight, when trolleys do not move on the ice, and when you have just come from Orlando where it was 24 degrees and there is a valet for everything, it was a real welcome home to Europe.
Next day, after check in, we enjoyed a fabulous free breakfast in the lounge at Keflavik, and again we had those nice seats in the 757, so we arrived fresh in Paris where Christophe was there to meet us. Chez lui we enjoyed a meal of Osso bucco before setting of on the last leg to Paradise in the Vendee.
We will certainly fly with Icelandair again.
From September 2015 the Orlando terminus of Icelandair will move to Orlando International airport (MCO) following a subsidy given to Icelandair, by the airport management, in the region of $340,000.
A five hour drive from home took us to the west of Paris where our friend garaged our car for 10 weeks, hosted a nice meal, a room for the night and took us to CDG terminal 1 the next day. We pulled up directly to the terminal, free for 10 minutes and checked in Economy class.
The flight to Keflavik was full but Ok and on time. On arrival we landed on a very snowy runway and were shocked to find that we had to descend down slippery steps and walk across the icy tarmac to the terminal. We had time to eat a meal rather than buy something on the flight.
The next flight to Orlando was Ok and not full, so we enjoyed a row of seats on the 757 between us.
Sanford was calm and trouble free on arrival.
For the return, we had reserved economy comfort seating. This is advertised as a standard row of three on the 757 with the centre seat not sold. the seat pitch is greater, full in flight service and use of the lounges.
The flight left Sanford three and a half hours late due to an electrical problem requiring a new part to be brought in from Orlando. The use of the lounge was appreciated. The check in and security check at Sanford was efficient and speedy.
On boarding we were surprised and pleased to find that our seats were not as advertised but the same as in Saga Class (Sort of Business/first), although the cabin service was at the economy comfort level. In fact we enjoyed a meal of chicken with rice and mango, which was one of the best offerings I have ever tasted in all my flying adventures. With free wine, coffee and something stronger we settled into those seats for a sleep and were awakened just before touch down missing breakfast completely.
Once again the aerodrome was covered in snow, but this time we had air bridge connection.
Of course, we missed our flight to Paris, but on arrival we were given an envelope, already prepared, with a hotel voucher, transport, three meals, and re booked flights for the next day.
The hotel was excellent in every respect.
I had two complaints only. I would like to have checked our bags, immediately for Paris the next day. This was not possible so we had to haul them (Two each plus carry on), and the bus to the hotel was parked away from the terminal. only about 50 paces, but on ice, with snow falling and a howling gale it felt rather longer. With not a porter in sight, when trolleys do not move on the ice, and when you have just come from Orlando where it was 24 degrees and there is a valet for everything, it was a real welcome home to Europe.
Next day, after check in, we enjoyed a fabulous free breakfast in the lounge at Keflavik, and again we had those nice seats in the 757, so we arrived fresh in Paris where Christophe was there to meet us. Chez lui we enjoyed a meal of Osso bucco before setting of on the last leg to Paradise in the Vendee.
We will certainly fly with Icelandair again.
From September 2015 the Orlando terminus of Icelandair will move to Orlando International airport (MCO) following a subsidy given to Icelandair, by the airport management, in the region of $340,000.