We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog (so Salzburg will have to wait) to talk about what happened to us this week. (if you’re sick of hearing about “first world problems”, please skip this post)

We were about to take our last flight to come home from the Fall trip to Europe and we had been away for over 3 weeks at that point. We had booked in Premium Economy on Air France (now to be known as “f***ing Air France) from Barcelona to Paris, then a 2+ hour layover, then the final flight from Paris to Toronto. Sounds great, right? (other than the fact that there are no direct flights from Barcelona to Toronto in the Fall)

Our flight was to leave Barcelona at 10 a.m. and arrive in Paris at noon. Due to fog over Paris that morning, the incoming flight from Paris was delayed, so we left Barcelona after 11 a.m. and arrived after 1 p.m. Our flight to Toronto was to leave Paris at 2:05 p.m. There was no indication from Air France staff that we would not make our connection, nor would they tell us that a) we would have to go through France Customs first and b) although our flight landed in Terminal 2F, the distance to go from there to Terminal 2E (where the Toronto flight was) would require lots of running plus a bus ride that never seemed to get anywhere!

Keep in mind that by this time, we had realized there were 10 of us in the same situation. We finally got to the gate for the Toronto flight, and the plane was still there, and the Boarding sign was still flashing, and THEY TOLD US THAT THE PILOT HAD DECIDED TO LEAVE AND WE COULD NOT BOARD. Ridiculous!

Then it was off to the Air France Cancellations from Hell Counter where there were 2 staff members for about 100 people in Economy who had been bumped from flights, and then 1 person (plus a clueless trainee who probably quit that day) handling the ~30 of us in the Sky Priority Line. This lineup included a lady who was to be giving a talk at a medical conference in Toronto the next day and had no idea what to do because her company had booked everything for her. (I don’t think she made it)

After about an hour in line, most of which I spent searching for other flights, I learned that a) we would not get home that day, b) any options the next day would not involve a direct flight on Air France, and c) likely neither of us would be able to fly in Premium – and from previous blog posts, you’ll know that we don’t fly Economy unless the flight is 2 hours or less. (Air France Economy from Barcelona to Paris was fine)

So, prior to finding out what nightmarish solution Air France might offer, I booked us on Air Canada (only direct flight the next day with capacity) in Business Class, which cost a gzillion dollars, but at that point, we were past caring. We’re also always game for a new travel experience, and thus far, flying First or Business Class had eluded us.

It was a good thing too – Air France’s “solution” was a flight that would get us home 2 days later, and only one of us could fly Premium. Not acceptable. So now I’m in the process of getting $$ from Air France and filing a claim through our policy that covers Trip Interruption. I’m not terribly optimistic about either, but we’ll see what happens. Do they help with hotel? No, not unless you’re rebooking on Air France.

Then came the Search For Luggage. It became apparent to me at that point that Air France had made the executive decision to not even send our luggage over to the Toronto flight. Suffice it to say that had we not run into a nice woman who didn’t work for Air France or The Airport, (she was there representing some vendor) we would never have found where to go to find our luggage. The interaction with the man at Air France to find our luggage was pretty much the only helpful one we had with them that afternoon. Once I made myself understood that we were staying overnight and therefore needed our luggage now, and that it was not rebooked on another Air France flight, he was able to figure out where it was and we got it all within 30 minutes. Then we could take a taxi to the hotel I booked while waiting for luggage. I managed to get a sweet deal through Marriott at a Residence Inn. So prior to exiting the airport, we had to go through Customs again, where we were photographed and fingerprinted for the whole Schengen ETIAS thing. (well, at least that’s done)

Then off to what was by far the best part of the day – The Residence Inn.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/parri-residence-inn-paris-charles-de-gaulle-central-airport/overview/

Check-in was the fastest and nicest as any place I’ve ever stayed, the room was fabulous, with a kitchen and 2 workspaces (essential to start making trip interruption claims) and the bed and bathroom were superb. But off to the bar/restaurant we went and had the best cocktails of our entire trip. We also had great fish and chips for dinner and their Chablis was amazing.

After a good night’s sleep and wonderful shower, we had the Residence Inn’s free and fabulous breakfast and were then ready to brave Charles de Gaulle airport once again and check out whether Air Chaos would get us home. Due to some security issue, the flight was over an hour getting into Paris, but I must commend Air Canada on communicating the delay hours ahead of time. It made our planning easier, and they were most apologetic. It also enabled us to take in the Primeclass Lounge near our gate, since the Air Chaos Maple Leaf Lounge was closed for renovations. (of course it was) It was nice to experience some quiet, and a self serve bar!

So I must say that flying Business Class will spoil you for any other mode of travel. It is FABULOUS. Here are some pics ………. Even one of Steve conducting his imaginary orchestra while using his score for The Planets by Gustav Holst. I, on the other hand, watched the first 2 episodes of Severance, (too freaky for me), and the rest of Season 1 of Ted Lasso. (about 7 episodes) Neither of us wanted to sleep because it was a day flight and because we didn’t want to miss all the goodies. 3 rounds of snacks, countless deliveries of wine, and a lovely hot meal. I was stunned that Air Canada got a white fish dinner delivered nice and hot and properly cooked. All in all, a great experience. Is it worth the money? It was $3000 more than their grossly overpriced Premium Economy (although this purchase WAS last minute) so ….. maybe?