Originally Posted by
Finkface
So I need a sanity check here. Looking at flying TATL from AMS. I can choose KL, direct flight, much better departure time (early afternoon) but 2-2-2 seating on a 773. Or I can choose AF, departing AMS at 7:30am with a 90 minute connection in CDG 2F to 2E (or a safer 2 1/2 hour connection in CDG but departing at 6:30am), but lovely 1-2-1 seating in a nice, private seat. I love me a pod. Food is not a big deal and I don't drink. I won't really have time for a CDG lounge unless I take the earlier flight.
I'm not a morning person so the afternoon direct flight would be nice but there is not much that I love more than a pod and I will sleep on the flight for sure, which is why I was pretty much set on AF even though it means a connection in the hell that is CDG. Am I nuts? Is the lack of privacy on KLM enough to endure getting up at the crack of dawn and connecting in CDG?
Based on my experience flying both on routes that run the risk of the AF 7-across business class, I would go for AF and avoid KL whenever possible (as somebody who also strongly values having a pod as a solo traveler).
Last-minute AF equipment swaps have been much rarer than "creative reseating" by crew, "conquering" seatmates, missing amenity kits & other things with KL. Not the mention the vastly superior product, which is the 1-2-1 AF business class.