Having flown 3 times HKG-SVO-HKG in 2015 (all in "Premier class" = J) perhaps a short summary will help at deciding for other airlines.
Why I flew with Aeroflot
HKG open-jaws to Europe in business class at about US$1000 return. Relatively short routes and at the cost of Lufthansa's discount economy class.
Cabin: J on Aeroflot 777
30 seats, usually all taken.
- About a third of passengers is below 10 years old, hence the nickname "baby bomber" for Aeroflot's 777. Bring ear plugs (not included in amenity kit). If you some quiet time, just downgrade to Comfort (Premium Economy) class which is usually empty.
- Almost flat seats.
- Cabin temperature on red-eyes is about 30°C.
- IFE at my seat broken on 2 of 6 legs, neighbours also affected.
- Service is hit an miss, sometimes fabulous, sometimes just rude.
SVO
Prepare yourself for bus-boarding at -20°C and hiking up icy stairs to the cabin. The terminal is nicely overheated, lounges are pretty basic and most have no windows. Food is fatty and very simple. There's one shower per lounge.
Good: smoking is absolutely prohibited without any exceptions.
Luggage
Priority luggage service is inoperative since the great SVO luggage chaos in summer 2014. At best, priority bags are delivered with all other bags. In MUC and SXF, priority bags were delivered only after all other bags had been taken.
- 4 suitcases damaged, no compensation received.
- 2 suitcases delayed by 8 days, no compensation received.
Delays
Aeroflot is usually on time.
Only 1 flight was delayed – due to a medical emergency of the incoming aircraft. This let us miss our connection, resulting in a 24 hour stay air-side.
- Business class passengers are accommodated in the "V-hotel" (= hourly paid soviet-style youth hostel within Terminal E) and must share accomodations even if on different PNR. Rooms are tiny, overheated and one is woken up regularly by security announcements or the bouncer kicking out other people.
- Aeroflot pays a maximum of 8 hours at the "V-hotel". After that, one must pay for additional hours or check-out.
- Food vouchers (RUB 1960 per 24 hours) are redeemably at some restaurants.