Air France Frequence Plus - AF7629 (BOD-CDG) A319 - Seating?

Looking at the AF Aircraft layout chart on AF there are quite a few A319 types.

What A319 (and A320) model do AF use on the BOD-CDG route? I take it it's not La Navette as I believe these are only used from ORY. I'm leaning towards Metropole layout :eek:

Also, I believe I read somewhere that the first three rows are held for Elite+ customers which will be available when checking in. Can someone confirm?

I'm going to BOD over Christmas so I could think there is quite a pressure on these flights (i.e. fully booked)... :eek:

Cheerio

Looking at the AF Aircraft layout chart on AF there are quite a few A319 types.

What A319 (and A320) model do AF use on the BOD-CDG route? I take it it's not La Navette as I believe these are only used from ORY. I'm leaning towards Metropole layout :eek:

Also, I believe I read somewhere that the first three rows are held for Elite+ customers which will be available when checking in. Can someone confirm?

I'm going to BOD over Christmas so I could think there is quite a pressure on these flights (i.e. fully booked)... :eek:

Cheerio

Yep, usually metropole, but to be honest, it makes little to no difference, they are all almost the same. First few rows for abonnes passengers (as well as elite plus), next few rows for full fare (a la tempo challenge) rest for... well, the rest. As long as you check in online you will have no problem seatsing together. The AF part of the terminal in BOD is small so you'll be out in no time. On your way back, there is a lousy 'patio' lounge after security. Pointless by my books but...

Yep, usually metropole, but to be honest, it makes little to no difference, they are all almost the same. First few rows for abonnes passengers (as well as elite plus), next few rows for full fare (a la tempo challenge) rest for... well, the rest. As long as you check in online you will have no problem seatsing together. The AF part of the terminal in BOD is small so you'll be out in no time. On your way back, there is a lousy 'patio' lounge after security. Pointless by my books but...

Well, it does have one redeeming quality ;). It is, as opposed to the rest of the terminal, air-conditioned ...

Well, it does have one redeeming quality ;). It is, as opposed to the rest of the terminal, air-conditioned ...

That is actually very true!! ^ [albeit probably not at its most valuable for a xmas trip based on the climatic memories of the three years when I used to live in Bordeaux]. BTW, as always with Patio lounges you need a code (they are not manned), so even if you have a boarding card don't forget to ask for the code at a check in desk or at the transfer counter...

On your way back, there is a lousy 'patio' lounge after security. Pointless by my books but...

Oh, I thought lounge access was only available on International flights. I have a connecting flight at CDG but on a separate booking (also with AF). I'll try and get the bags checked the whole way from BOD :)

What exactly is a patio lounge?

BTW, as always with Patio lounges you need a code (they are not manned), so even if you have a boarding card don't forget to ask for the code at a check in desk or at the transfer counter...

Thanks for the tip orbitmic ^. Have been to BOD over the last 10 years mainly with Aer Fungus and the odd time when Regional flew directly with their excellent F-190 (I believe) but that came to a stop as well :(

I actually like BOD airport to some extent. It's small enough and feels like a proper regional airport without too much fuss :eek:

Oh, I thought lounge access was only available on International flights. I have a connecting flight at CDG but on a separate booking (also with AF). I'll try and get the bags checked the whole way from BOD :)

What exactly is a patio lounge?


You'll have no pb to have your bags checked through to your final destination, even if it's on separate tickets.
Patio lounges are small lounges for "short wait" and short-haul flights. Not as nice as a regular J lounge, but you have free drinks (non-alcoholic) and free newspapers. You may find these lounges at ORY (hall 1 & 2), LYS and BOD

Thanks for the reassurance goldorak with regards to the checked bags ^

Still, I was under the impression that any lounge access for Elite+'s was only available for international connections...

Cheerio

Thanks for the reassurance goldorak with regards to the checked bags ^

Still, I was under the impression that any lounge access for Elite+'s was only available for international connections...

Cheerio

This rule is for other skyteam FFP. But as a member of FB, you can access AF/KL lounges for any AF/KL flights, even domestic

This rule is for other skyteam FFP. But as a member of FB, you can access AF/KL lounges for any AF/KL flights, even domestic

Thanks for your reply Goldorak...

You learn something new every day :)

The first patio lounges were opened in Paris Orly and explicitly in terminals (sorry, 'halls') that handled domestic traffic. They were conceived as simpler lounges to improve the travel experience of frequent domestic flyers ('abonnes'). there are now patio lounges in Bordeaux, Lyon, and I believe CDG 2G as well which also welcome passengers on European flights but the original purpose of these patios definitely had to do with purely domestic itineraries. Still, before you feel an overwhelming warmth and gratitude towards AF for such an improvement, do bear in mind that they are definitely very 'bare' lounges: soft drinks, pretty atrocious hot drinks (why not a regular espresso machine? :( ), beer, dry snacks (biscuits, crisps, etc) and newspapers. No other drinks, no magasines, and no free internet.

Most A319 are 142 seats. La navette and Metro/europe are basically identical. For flexibility purposes, the seats in the front rows of most planes can convert into business seats. The front row is far better than the others with huge pitch. So try to login 30hrs priordeparture and get one of those seats. If you are a couple, take one aisle and window. There is no problem to negociate to swap onboard for the middle seat if it becomes occupied. And it couldremain empty.... as those are only available to selected pax until the airport allocates them.

Most A319 are 142 seats. La navette and Metro/europe are basically identical. For flexibility purposes, the seats in the front rows of most planes can convert into business seats. The front row is far better than the others with huge pitch. So try to login 30hrs priordeparture and get one of those seats. If you are a couple, take one aisle and window. There is no problem to negociate to swap onboard for the middle seat if it becomes occupied. And it couldremain empty.... as those are only available to selected pax until the airport allocates them.

Thanks for the brilliant tip brunos ^ :)