The more extensive review of the outbound trip can be found here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-f...ir-france.html
Abidjan Airport
Check in at Abidjan is fast and friendly though you go through a police check before you can get to the check in desks. I was able to use the Premium Economy check in (the Business class check in wasn't manned). My bag was tagged for priority and I was given a voucher for the VIP lounge.
After check in, you fill out your customs form (make sure you bring a pen with you) and then proceed through an immigration check (a quick formality if your visa is in order and you haven't done anything silly. This brings into a bit of a no mans land; a kink of "not quite airside" where you can access a dining area, shops and the VIP lounge.
The VIP Lounge
Welcome to perhaps one of the world's meanest lounges. There's no self service and you get two drinks vouchers and these include soft drinks and water as well as alcohol. I selected a glass of Johnny Walker red and a bottle of water.
Airside Proper
You go through security for actual airside and there is nothing here other than a smal duty free shop and a kiosk that sells bottles of Flag (the rather nice, local beer), soft drinks and ice creams. There is plenty of seating in airside proper.
Boarding
Boarding is a pain. They inspect everyone's bags by hand on the air bridge. My Anadin Extra tablets (paracetomol and aspirin) were treated with deep suspicion.
The Flight
Pretty much as per my last review though the aircraft was a lower density configuration (still ten abreast but my tray table didn't try to disembowel me whenever lowered).
Paris Connection
This was fast enough but I have two complaints:
- Disembarkation from a 777 to a bus
- A 15 minute delay for an immigration check (longer, if unlike me you were further down the back of the economy cabin).
The airport had visible people on hand to advise on the best options for getting to my terminal (it turned out mine would have been quite a long walk so I took the bus). I had to get get my boarding pass from the transfer desk which added about ten minutes.
Security was fast and I was soon in 2E (Gates 21 onwards).
The Salon Lounge
There's a lot to like about the Salon lounge. The showers are well thought out. There's no list. Instead, a housekeeper points you at a refreshed shower if one is available. This comes with a generous set of towels, a hair dryer, an amenity kit (various L'Occitane goodies) and of course the shower itself.
After the shower, I found typical French breakfast fare available so enjoyed a couple of chocolate croissants and a couple of coffees before making my way to the bus gate, E-21 (thanks to the lounge staff for great instructions for getting there and when).
The Flybe Bit
Ok, this is not quite Air France.....
- If you're on an Air France ticket, you get a voucher for one free drink in the flight (I had a generous coffee)
- Boarding is by bus
- If it's a Dash, forget your standard sized cabin bag - it will have to be valet checked when you arrive at the aircraft.
- The crew are friendly and helpful
- If, like me, you're full of a cold, coming into land in a Crash 8 isn't funny (my ears still haven't recovered)
- You cannot collect your valet checked bags as you get off the plane - these pop off at the carousel.
Overall
CDG made a far more positive impression on the return trip.