[QUOTE=suzy1K]I'm not sure if I should laugh or cry

I heard that Aeroflot flights actually take off when pax are still standing in the aisle.

No, this is not true. Common sense would suggest that no matter what differences exist between ST or indeed any alliance members, something like this would not be tolerated.

I have not seen mini-vodkas myself, but in Economy wine & other alcohol is available for sale (about $5). This is actually an improvement because the wine previously served free from full-size bottles was usually of very poor quality.

Woody, I can't believe you rate OVB so highly - the idiotic security post upon entering the terminal stops all the traffic flow (and then you immediately go through another security check before check-in) and the barbed wire/metal gate Arrival area with separate baggage hall are also a far cry from modern airport facilities. But the facilities in the main building of the domestic terminal have improved indeed.

It is obvious from your post, Woody, that you are very familiar with travel in Russia - so this advice is probably redundant - but by far the best way to travel to OVB is with Sibir Airlines from DME on their new A320s. DME is comparable to any Western airport and you usually get a jetbridge to board your Airbus, where of course you get the usual overhead space, etc. If you must connect from SVO the same day, this may not be convenient of course. And no miles on Sibir.

Speaking of Aeroflot Bonus miles, the OVB flights are probably closed out manually (even if check-in is automated). This is when the staff would enter your Bonus account number into the system. There is a message board on the Aeroflot Bonus website. Ask them about the posting schedule and the ladies will be happy to respond to you.