In German there is the saying: "Des einen Freud, des anderen Leid", which would in my personal case last night translate into "Bad luck for Air France, good luck for me". Usually, pretty much at the same day, both Lufthansa and Air France operate their daily flights from Bangalore to Frankfurt and Paris respectively. But due to the aircrew strike of Air France, the French carrier has not been flying for four days in a row with the consequence that Lufthansa is taking as many as possible Air France-passengers on board. With another consequence that the plane is getting full-full and passengers are getting moved across classes. So I hardly could believe my eyes when I received that desirable red boarding pass at the check-in counter:
Well, well, I can't complain: The trip was very comfortable when you have a full bed with pillow and blanket for a 9 hours night-flight which leaves at 3.20 in the morning. Sitting on the short upper deck of a huge Jumbo Jet provides an almost intimate experience. Moreover, with a service that does not leave any wishes open: caviar, champagne, small bites and big meals of delicacies along with a selection of the most exclusive wines do make you feel like the Queen of England. At least for the duration of the flight.
I enjoyed the experience unconditionally, but only because this upgrade came for free. I once inquired what a regular First Class ticket for the route would cost: EUR 6,000 for a return flight. Puh. That's a lot of money which buys a lot of nights in very good hotels along with excellent dinners in superb restaurants - down there on the ground. Unless ever becoming super-super-rich, I doubt that I would ever start thinking of putting this money on the table. Then it's really more rewarding giving away to some worthwhile charity like OLPC and still enjoying a decent and financially care-free life.
One more thing I am really looking forward to: Singapore Airlines started this week the first commercial routing with the new twin-floor Airbus A 380 from Singapore to Sydney. Now the biggest and most modern passenger aircraft in the world. And, guess what, I am going to Sydney over New Year and will take exactly that plane. That will be cool and I will be happily posting here - how it is to fly in the A 380-coach class :-)
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