Taking the train - with Air France
Written: May 15 '02 (Updated May 16 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quiet, relaxing travel with plenty of legroom
Cons: Hassle of checking your luggage twice, finding your way through Charles de Gaulle airport
The Bottom Line: The Air France Thalys train service is certainly better than the in-flight service, overall a pleasant experience if it coincides with your travel plans.
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| lyagushka's Full Review: Air France |
Why am I writing the 83rd review on Air France? Because there's a niche part of Air France's market that I've become familiar with over the last year and that I haven't seen reviewed here. Air France runs a Thalys high speed train (TGV="Tay Zhay Vay"=Train a grande vitesse) between Brussels, Belgium (Brussels Midi station) and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. This is actually designated as an Air France "flight." When I receive my tickets, they look just like an airline ticket and there's an Air France flight code for the train ride. I even earn frequent flier miles for the train ride. There is only one class of ticket for the Thalys service; naturally they call it first class.
The catch is that this service is only available to Air France passengers connecting through Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to other Air France flights. It is run exclusively for Air France customers and this particular train is not available for passengers who simply want a quick ride between Brussels and Paris. There are other high speed Thalys trains running at different times and for other destinations though.
Check-In
Check-in for the Air France Thalys service is a little different from normal check-in for other trains or other flights. You do need to check-in at least half an hour before departure and show your tickets and id. The attendant then offers information on where to check-in for the connecting flight when you reach CDG. You may check-in your luggage for the train ride, and as far as I can tell there is little if any screening of baggage. Luggage is NOT checked through to your final destination. You must claim it on the platform at CDG and check it again at the CDG counter. You receive a specific seat assignment for the train ride.
My Seat
The train itself is very nice and comfortable. There are entirely separate cars for smokers and non-smokers, which is wonderful when compared to other European train services, where each car is divided into smoking and non-smoking sections. The cars I have been on had plush red upholstery, which always looked clean and new. The seats are wide and comfortable and not nearly as cramped as coach class airline seating. The bathrooms have been clean and not malodorous when I've used them. They even have hot running water. The only difficulty is dealing with the slight lurches of the train when you've got to go. Overhead luggage racks are not too high and have never been as crammed as the luggage compartments on most international flights.
The Ride
During the short 1 hour, 15 minute ride, simple refreshments are served: a small beverage and a prepackaged pastry. Usually there are several varieties of pastry and you get your choice. The ride is very quiet and relaxing. I love to travel by train because I get to stretch my legs and look out the window at the landscape. I've always traveled alone on the Thalys and so I've always gotten a seat in the row of single seats on the left hand side. The other side of the car has two seats together. I find this nice because I don't have to make small talk with anyone, allow them to get up to use the bathroom, or ask anyone to move if I need to go.
The Drawbacks
One downside to the service is the difficulty in finding your way from the train platform at CDG to the Air France check-in desk at the terminal. Once you've done it, it's not so confusing, but I had a little trouble the first time and not much time to make my connection. It takes about 8-12 minutes of walking to get from the platform to the Air France terminals. Unfortunately, the way to the proper terminal is not clearly marked at all points, and you do need to change levels a few times, which is a hassle without rolling luggage. So my advice is just keep asking directions of anyone who looks remotely official. The other hassle is having to check-in again, but I suppose it's understandable, what with security and all. The attendants at check-in seemed to know that I was "in the system" and they whisked me to the front of the line so I could make my flight on time. That did nothing to help me through the security line and customs however.
Final Thoughts
The Air France Thalys service runs ten times a day, that's five times in each direction. If your travel plans include a leg between Brussels and Paris, Air France is worth looking into, despite their lackluster reputation in the air.
All in all, I'd have to say that Air France's Thalys train service is significantly better than their in-flight service. I'll give the airline three stars overall, but I'd give the Thalys service a solid four stars.
Recommended:
Yes
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