Does Aeroflot have any business being in Skyteam?
Aug 29, 2006, 8:57 am
#1
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Does Aeroflot have any business being in Skyteam?
I assume that this has been a topic of discussion before. I was pleased when planning my trip to Russia to learn that Aeroflot joined the alliance. I flew DXB-LED (St. Petersburg) with a stopover in Moscow-SVO over the weekend. Granted, no one would laud the great service on Delta, Northwest, or Korean Air, but Aeroflot seemed to lack the basic amenities of a world-class international airline. A few examples:
-- Equipment: Does any other SkyTeam member fly the equivalent of the old Tupolevs? I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED, and, while I was thrilled to get the experience, anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter) and the lack of any passenger amenities on board. The seats were flimsy -- mine would not stay in the upright position -- and there were no overhead bins (just a shelf like on a bus, with about a foot of space).
-- Service: The flight attendants made Northwest crew seem cheery. My suitcase wouldn't fit under the seat or in the small space overhead, so I asked the flight attendant what I should do and whether I could check it, and she literally shrugged her shoulders silently. (I ended up placing it on the floor next to me, which would never be allowable in the U.S. and which I could do only because that seat was vacant.) The check-in agent was equally unfriendly -- also, symptomatic, I suppose, of the typical Russian culture of no customer service whatsoever. At SVO, the domestic and international terminals are really two separate airports a 15-minute drive apart. Even though I was booked on a through DXB-SVO-LED itinerary, they apparently have no mechanism to transfer passengers. An Aeroflot agent on the phone thought I was crazy when I asked whether the airline would transfer me or if I had to do it myself. There is supposedly a bus between terminals, but I ended up taking a taxi and, with the cumbersome immigration process at SVO, barely making my flight with a 2:15 connection. (Although one plus is that there are slot machines and three vodka bars in the domestic terminal waiting room.) We waited idlely on the tarmac before each take-off and after each landing, including for nearly an hour on my flight from SVO-DXB, without explanation. (I know, of course this happens regularly on U.S. flights.) Also, there were no e-tickets available for my itinerary (which I booked on Expedia). I don't know whether this is the case system-wide.
-- Benefits to elite passengers: I saw no mention of special check-in lines, pre-boarding, etc. for elite flyers, either Aeroflot's program or SkyTeam, or any other benefits. At no point in my journey did they acknowlege my status or seem to acknowledge anyone's status with signs, etc. I never saw the SkyTeam logo or signage, either, even though I flew in and out of the hub airport. I read on FlyerTalk that Aeroflot announced that it was giving lounge access to SkyTeam Elite travelers, but they never offered me that (I wish that I would have known to ask).
I am not saying that I had a horrible experience. Just that it seems like this airline lacks the basic services that I assumed it would have as a member of SkyTeam. Any thoughts?
-- Equipment: Does any other SkyTeam member fly the equivalent of the old Tupolevs? I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED, and, while I was thrilled to get the experience, anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter) and the lack of any passenger amenities on board. The seats were flimsy -- mine would not stay in the upright position -- and there were no overhead bins (just a shelf like on a bus, with about a foot of space).
-- Service: The flight attendants made Northwest crew seem cheery. My suitcase wouldn't fit under the seat or in the small space overhead, so I asked the flight attendant what I should do and whether I could check it, and she literally shrugged her shoulders silently. (I ended up placing it on the floor next to me, which would never be allowable in the U.S. and which I could do only because that seat was vacant.) The check-in agent was equally unfriendly -- also, symptomatic, I suppose, of the typical Russian culture of no customer service whatsoever. At SVO, the domestic and international terminals are really two separate airports a 15-minute drive apart. Even though I was booked on a through DXB-SVO-LED itinerary, they apparently have no mechanism to transfer passengers. An Aeroflot agent on the phone thought I was crazy when I asked whether the airline would transfer me or if I had to do it myself. There is supposedly a bus between terminals, but I ended up taking a taxi and, with the cumbersome immigration process at SVO, barely making my flight with a 2:15 connection. (Although one plus is that there are slot machines and three vodka bars in the domestic terminal waiting room.) We waited idlely on the tarmac before each take-off and after each landing, including for nearly an hour on my flight from SVO-DXB, without explanation. (I know, of course this happens regularly on U.S. flights.) Also, there were no e-tickets available for my itinerary (which I booked on Expedia). I don't know whether this is the case system-wide.
-- Benefits to elite passengers: I saw no mention of special check-in lines, pre-boarding, etc. for elite flyers, either Aeroflot's program or SkyTeam, or any other benefits. At no point in my journey did they acknowlege my status or seem to acknowledge anyone's status with signs, etc. I never saw the SkyTeam logo or signage, either, even though I flew in and out of the hub airport. I read on FlyerTalk that Aeroflot announced that it was giving lounge access to SkyTeam Elite travelers, but they never offered me that (I wish that I would have known to ask).
I am not saying that I had a horrible experience. Just that it seems like this airline lacks the basic services that I assumed it would have as a member of SkyTeam. Any thoughts?
Aug 29, 2006, 1:09 pm
#2
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Well I do not see anything really wrong with your experience...just a little different than what you are used to....different airline different way of handling things....that is what makes traveling interesting...
Aug 29, 2006, 2:24 pm
#3
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Originally Posted by mecabq
I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED ... anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter)
As for SU, it hasn't had a crash since 1994 (and then on an Airbus) - which is, well, better than what can be said about AA, for instance.
Originally Posted by mecabq
Even though I was booked on a through DXB-SVO-LED itinerary, they apparently have no mechanism to transfer passengers. An Aeroflot agent on the phone thought I was crazy when I asked whether the airline would transfer me or if I had to do it myself. There is supposedly a bus between terminals, but I ended up taking a taxi and, with the cumbersome immigration process at SVO, barely making my flight with a 2:15 connection.
Originally Posted by mecabq
Also, there were no e-tickets available for my itinerary (which I booked on Expedia). I don't know whether this is the case system-wide.
Originally Posted by mecabq
I never saw the SkyTeam logo or signage, either, even though I flew in and out of the hub airport.
Give them time, they have made a lot of progress recently.
Aug 29, 2006, 7:07 pm
#4
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Originally Posted by Germanfflyer
Well I do not see anything really wrong with your experience...just a little different than what you are used to....different airline different way of handling things....that is what makes traveling interesting...
Aug 30, 2006, 12:57 am
#5
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I agree that it was a great experience, and flying out of different airports on different airlines on different types of equipment is one of my favorite aspects of traveling, too. I am just pointing out that Aeroflot's infrastructure doesn't appear to be up to even the mediocre standards of other world-class airlines.
I actually found SVO's international terminal better than I expected (granted, my expectations were low), at least air-side. One frustration is that there is no currency exchange, however, so one is forced to spend the rest of one's rubles on food, vodka, and duty-free. . .
I actually found SVO's international terminal better than I expected (granted, my expectations were low), at least air-side. One frustration is that there is no currency exchange, however, so one is forced to spend the rest of one's rubles on food, vodka, and duty-free. . .
Aug 31, 2006, 3:26 pm
#6
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Originally Posted by mecabq
I agree that it was a great experience, and flying out of different airports on different airlines on different types of equipment is one of my favorite aspects of traveling, too. I am just pointing out that Aeroflot's infrastructure doesn't appear to be up to even the mediocre standards of other world-class airlines.
I actually found SVO's international terminal better than I expected (granted, my expectations were low), at least air-side. One frustration is that there is no currency exchange, however, so one is forced to spend the rest of one's rubles on food, vodka, and duty-free. . .
I actually found SVO's international terminal better than I expected (granted, my expectations were low), at least air-side. One frustration is that there is no currency exchange, however, so one is forced to spend the rest of one's rubles on food, vodka, and duty-free. . .
Sep 4, 2006, 10:02 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Originally Posted by mecabq
Equipment: Does any other SkyTeam member fly the equivalent of the old Tupolevs? I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED, and, while I was thrilled to get the experience, anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter) and the lack of any passenger amenities on board. The seats were flimsy -- mine would not stay in the upright position -- and there were no overhead bins (just a shelf like on a bus, with about a foot of space).
It really puzzles me as to why Aeroflot uses those "interesting" Tu-134s for the LED flights...do they not have enough passengers? Is the distance too short to really justify at least a Tu-154? I mean, seriously, not that I see it as a safety problem, but it would feel weird to travel in the 21st century with a navigator in the plane's nose! MALEV have the Tu-134 and 154 in their museum, Aeroflot have theirs still very much in the sky.
The noise pollution, too...I don't know how they ever managed to get EU certification for the 154s, in BUD one of them made more noise on the tarmac than a whole bunch of nearby Boeing/Airbus planes.
On the other hand, smoked salmon for breakfast when arriving in BKK...mmm, not something I've ever before experienced in Y
Sep 4, 2006, 10:45 am
#8
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Originally Posted by lecter
It really puzzles me as to why Aeroflot uses those "interesting" Tu-134s for the LED flights...do they not have enough passengers? Is the distance too short to really justify at least a Tu-154?
Originally Posted by lecter
I mean, seriously, not that I see it as a safety problem, but it would feel weird to travel in the 21st century with a navigator in the plane's nose!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-16
Most of these planes will be gone in a couple of years time so fly them while you can.
Sep 5, 2006, 3:19 am
#10
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Originally Posted by hfly
And what airline would you prefer on SVO-LED?
Sep 5, 2006, 7:30 am
#12
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Originally Posted by apoivre
SU's been expanding so fast recently they don't have enough planes to fly everywhere they want to. They placed an order for 30 (I think) Sukhoy Super Jets - a plane that doesn't exist yet - but so far they have to do with the Airbus 319/320/321 family, Tupolev 154s and 134s on short haul
Sep 5, 2006, 4:26 pm
#13
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Originally Posted by lecter
I wonder, is there some good reason Aeroflot doesn't order the Tu-214? They don't seem to be popular, but they are cheap and would replace the 154 quite nicely, I think...
Feb 20, 2008, 6:45 pm
#14
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I assume that this has been a topic of discussion before. I was pleased when planning my trip to Russia to learn that Aeroflot joined the alliance. I flew DXB-LED (St. Petersburg) with a stopover in Moscow-SVO over the weekend. Granted, no one would laud the great service on Delta, Northwest, or Korean Air, but Aeroflot seemed to lack the basic amenities of a world-class international airline. A few examples:
-- Equipment: Does any other SkyTeam member fly the equivalent of the old Tupolevs? I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED, and, while I was thrilled to get the experience, anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter) and the lack of any passenger amenities on board. The seats were flimsy -- mine would not stay in the upright position -- and there were no overhead bins (just a shelf like on a bus, with about a foot of space).
-- Service: The flight attendants made Northwest crew seem cheery. My suitcase wouldn't fit under the seat or in the small space overhead, so I asked the flight attendant what I should do and whether I could check it, and she literally shrugged her shoulders silently. (I ended up placing it on the floor next to me, which would never be allowable in the U.S. and which I could do only because that seat was vacant.) The check-in agent was equally unfriendly -- also, symptomatic, I suppose, of the typical Russian culture of no customer service whatsoever. At SVO, the domestic and international terminals are really two separate airports a 15-minute drive apart. Even though I was booked on a through DXB-SVO-LED itinerary, they apparently have no mechanism to transfer passengers. An Aeroflot agent on the phone thought I was crazy when I asked whether the airline would transfer me or if I had to do it myself. There is supposedly a bus between terminals, but I ended up taking a taxi and, with the cumbersome immigration process at SVO, barely making my flight with a 2:15 connection. (Although one plus is that there are slot machines and three vodka bars in the domestic terminal waiting room.) We waited idlely on the tarmac before each take-off and after each landing, including for nearly an hour on my flight from SVO-DXB, without explanation. (I know, of course this happens regularly on U.S. flights.) Also, there were no e-tickets available for my itinerary (which I booked on Expedia). I don't know whether this is the case system-wide.
-- Benefits to elite passengers: I saw no mention of special check-in lines, pre-boarding, etc. for elite flyers, either Aeroflot's program or SkyTeam, or any other benefits. At no point in my journey did they acknowlege my status or seem to acknowledge anyone's status with signs, etc. I never saw the SkyTeam logo or signage, either, even though I flew in and out of the hub airport. I read on FlyerTalk that Aeroflot announced that it was giving lounge access to SkyTeam Elite travelers, but they never offered me that (I wish that I would have known to ask).
I am not saying that I had a horrible experience. Just that it seems like this airline lacks the basic services that I assumed it would have as a member of SkyTeam. Any thoughts?
-- Equipment: Does any other SkyTeam member fly the equivalent of the old Tupolevs? I took a Tu-154 from SVO to LED, and, while I was thrilled to get the experience, anyone who flies knows the safety record of these planes (as well as Aeroflot and the Russian system as a whole, for that matter) and the lack of any passenger amenities on board. The seats were flimsy -- mine would not stay in the upright position -- and there were no overhead bins (just a shelf like on a bus, with about a foot of space).
-- Service: The flight attendants made Northwest crew seem cheery. My suitcase wouldn't fit under the seat or in the small space overhead, so I asked the flight attendant what I should do and whether I could check it, and she literally shrugged her shoulders silently. (I ended up placing it on the floor next to me, which would never be allowable in the U.S. and which I could do only because that seat was vacant.) The check-in agent was equally unfriendly -- also, symptomatic, I suppose, of the typical Russian culture of no customer service whatsoever. At SVO, the domestic and international terminals are really two separate airports a 15-minute drive apart. Even though I was booked on a through DXB-SVO-LED itinerary, they apparently have no mechanism to transfer passengers. An Aeroflot agent on the phone thought I was crazy when I asked whether the airline would transfer me or if I had to do it myself. There is supposedly a bus between terminals, but I ended up taking a taxi and, with the cumbersome immigration process at SVO, barely making my flight with a 2:15 connection. (Although one plus is that there are slot machines and three vodka bars in the domestic terminal waiting room.) We waited idlely on the tarmac before each take-off and after each landing, including for nearly an hour on my flight from SVO-DXB, without explanation. (I know, of course this happens regularly on U.S. flights.) Also, there were no e-tickets available for my itinerary (which I booked on Expedia). I don't know whether this is the case system-wide.
-- Benefits to elite passengers: I saw no mention of special check-in lines, pre-boarding, etc. for elite flyers, either Aeroflot's program or SkyTeam, or any other benefits. At no point in my journey did they acknowlege my status or seem to acknowledge anyone's status with signs, etc. I never saw the SkyTeam logo or signage, either, even though I flew in and out of the hub airport. I read on FlyerTalk that Aeroflot announced that it was giving lounge access to SkyTeam Elite travelers, but they never offered me that (I wish that I would have known to ask).
I am not saying that I had a horrible experience. Just that it seems like this airline lacks the basic services that I assumed it would have as a member of SkyTeam. Any thoughts?
Feb 25, 2008, 10:01 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Moscow, Russia
Programs: SkyMiles, AeroflotBonus, Miles&More
Posts: 13
There is the newest Sheremetyevo-3 (Terminal C) airport. As far as I know Aeroflot is going to transfer all the SkyTeam flights there. Till then I would recommend you to fly to DME rather than to SVO2.
Regarding TUs. At the present time Aeroflot uses three airplane model on its haul SVO-LED: TU154, Airbus A321, Airbus A319. When selecting flight using their web-site you can see airplane model for every flight, so you can choose appropriate one.
Regarding TUs. At the present time Aeroflot uses three airplane model on its haul SVO-LED: TU154, Airbus A321, Airbus A319. When selecting flight using their web-site you can see airplane model for every flight, so you can choose appropriate one.