We had two separate experiences at CDG, during arrival from HAM and upon departure to DEL the next day.

Arrival Experience at CDG

We arrived in to Terminal 2F and were amongst the first passengers to deplane. So we stood in the jetway to see if we could spot Nova being unloaded. It was a bit far, but we did see a vehicle come up with its own trailer. There were two supervisors and three people unloading Nova. This happened even before baggage started coming off the plane. Once again, very gently she was placed on the trailer and the vehicle drove off.My expectation was that it would take about 30-40 mins for us to get Nova. It took us about 15 mins to walk to the oversized baggage belt and just as soon as we got there, we could already see a vehicle pulling up behind the curtains with the bold signage Transport Spécial Animaux. I am sure this had nothing to do with the priority tag, and rather that AF really just took care of Nova being unloaded and not having to wait for too long.

Knowing full well how long luggage delivery at CDG can take, we are very grateful to AF for taking such good care of Nova.

I had also contracted Swift VIP to receive us and help us transport Nova from the terminal to our hotel. Their greeter met us airside and very nicely helped transport Nova to the car. He requested the very kind gentlemen at customs helped us undo the zip ties on her crate and also made sure to always hold on to her crate so it wouldn't rattle or tip over. We really appreciate the gentleness. The staff from Swift VIP definitely made figuring out the way, while carrying Nova, much easier this evening. These guys have become my go-to concierge service at CDG.The driver and car, also organized by Swift VIP, were already waiting for us and in almost no time we were on our way to the Novotel CDG, which is a pet friendly hotel.

I highly recommend the hotel as well, where staff were again kind enough to take a bowl and freeze water in it overnight so that Nova would have longer access to hydration for the journey next day. Safe to say, Nova had a very nice sleep at night and was super playful as well. The gentle handling by AF staff across this part of the trip definitely made a huge difference.

I think Nova started becoming a fan of AF.Departure Experience at CDG

The next morning once agains started with the driver and car from Swift VIP waiting for us in the lobby. This week was a holiday week in France, so CDG was quite busy which meant the normally 10 min drive took about 30 mins to get to the terminal. But at the terminal there were two agents waiting with a cart and quickly helped us load Nova's crate and her on. Then we went off to the Ulti area for check-in. It would've been quite cumbersome with a large crate to arrange transport, and navigate CDG, but Swift VIP staff made this really easy.

At the Ulti check-in area, they were already aware of us with an agent who had been pre-briefed about us. The desk was busy with someone who needed help fixing some ticketing issues, but in the meantime the duty manager also came over. She walked us over to help weigh the crate + Nova, and then do a safety inspection of the crate. She made sure that all the bolts were metal, the door locked in proper places, and that Nova had enough space inside. Then she gave us stronger zip ties than the ones we were traveling with.

We made our way back to the Ulti desk, which was still occupied, so the duty manager called the supervisor of the check-in area, and he had a new desk opened for us. The duty manager verified the same paperwork as in HAM, and Nova got a new luggage tag with another priority sticker.

At this point we had about 45 mins left to boarding, despite showing up exactly 2hrs before departure. We wanted to walk Nova a bit, and they wanted us to stay with her till the last moment possible, so we took about 15 mins more with her. Upon Nova's return to the check-in area, the lady checking us in walked us to the oversized luggage where her crate got zip tied and she was on her way. The AF staff explained to us that she would not be kept with general luggage, but rather in a quiet temperature controlled area meant only for animals, so that the amount of noise is minimized for them. We were very appreciative of this.

All through, each staff member was very reassuring, sharing stories about how pets are handled and that the slightest sign of distress/issues leads to boarding being stopped. I know this seems like an overkill, but hearing this was quite reassuring as a pet parent and definitely increased our confidence in AF in general.

At this point, it was 9:15am we were led to the front of the passport control queue, with only 25 mins left to boarding. The lines were massive and this Ulti perk definitely helped. We had to make our way to 2E-M by the train, and the Ulti security line there also helped. We got to the gate 5 mins before official boarding, and were let into the area behind the doors for pre-boarding. Staff there also knew about Nova and they proactively informed us just as she was being brought for boarding, which was within minutes of us getting there. Alas, we couldn't see her go on board this time since that was blocked off from view.

We went on board about 5 mins before boarding started, and again the cabins staff proactively let us know they were aware of Nova and would make sure that she is taken care of. Of course, Nova had made cards for everyone once again, which we made sure were delivered to them.

Just as boarding started, the purser came by to us with the iPad and showed us pictures of Nova being loaded, including a video of her where, once again, she was doing well and calm. We could see that her water bowls had also been refilled. This gesture of pictures and videos truly did a lot to help calm us, and we're very grateful that staff thought to show them to us. Right after doors were closed the captain also came by to let us know that Nova was secure, and that the maximum possible was being done for her comfort.

Honestly, there's not a single flaw in the way Nova was treated during her time at CDG. I cannot thank every hand involved on the day, and behind the scenes, in making her journey safer, and as stress free as possible. AF definitely earned a whole new level of respect and trust from us.