I ended my 2 months last, unpredicted, half of the world trip flying from San Francisco to Tahiti with French bee last week. It was my first time with them and here it is how it went the 8 hours ocean crossing flight.
Past 2 months, I have flown from Pacific to US, Central America, South America, Turkey, US again and finally back to Tahiti by various airlines as United (2), America Airlines (1), Delta (1), Jetblue (1), Avianca (5-6), Wingo (2), Copa (1), Alaska (1), Turkish Airlines (2) and French bee. Most of those flights were Economy including this one. So, I have adequate experience in airports and planes lalety to make a fair critic.
Just before starting, I shared price information along with purchase details in the previous post. Saying that, the price was less than half of the closest company from LAX or SFO to PPT (Papeete, Tahiti) including a cabin and 23 kg checked baggage buying only few days before the flight.
Boarding
Comparing to my previous overseas flights in Economy class I found the aircraft more crowded than I got use to at first impression when I stepped in the plane. Per my previous experiences, full service airlines configure their aircrafts between 8 to 9 seats in a line in 2x4x2 or 3x3x3 format. French bee configured 10 seats in 3x4x3 format. This was giving a crowdedness at a first glance.
After having the seat it was not difficult to recognize that you scarcely fit it. Although the leg space was long enough (32-inch pitch) for someone like me 183cm 87-88 kg, the side of my legs was literally on the edge of the seat (16-inch seat width). I was still ok though, felt a bit tighter than I got use to but it was not at a bothering level.. just on the limit. However someone wider would possibly have some adversity on the trip in such a long flight of 8 hours.
Entertainment System
It is important having a well organized entertainment system in such long flights. This time I I haven’t really needed it since I was so exhausted already when boarding. However, when I checked the repo there were more than 50 actual and known movies ready to watch and a few simple 2D games as found in most of flights like this one.
The internet was not free. there were couple of options on purchase from $5 100MB to $25 limitless.
I can conclude that the entertainment system is well equiped for such a long flight. Internet is available on purchase in this 8 hours overseas French bee flights from San Francisco to Tahiti.
Meal
It was a meal included flight. The plate was adequate with butter, bread, cold starter (pasta salad), main course (chicken and rice), cake as dessert and finally a small package of sweet cookies. The taste was OK if you don’t expect much. – To be honest I don’t remember having eaten any delicious food in a flight but Turkish Airlines. – Considering a low cost carrier the whole package with the plate and taste reached the expectation.
Beverage was extra. Soft and alcoholic beverages or hot drinks were reasonable price. They starting from $3 to $7-$8 depends on what you prefer.
Crew
The crew was young, friendly.. always smiling. I like receiving positive vibrations from crew when I board. Sometimes coming across nervous cabin crews gives me discomfort, and it impacts the rest of flight.
I didn’t like the outfit though :). They were wearing uniforms made by jean. I found unsual and a little simple. 🙂
Bottomline
In terms of pricing, having bought an overseas ticket 5 days before the flight, less than half of a closer competitor that flight totally worth for me. It is 5/5 for price & performance. I wouldn’t mind repeating flying with French bee again, and for sure I will do when there is possibility in the future.
However, I just want to emphasise that for someone seeking more comfort in a flight particularly the long ones checking the upper class (“Premium” they say in French bee) or other airlines would be a sensible approach.
No matter what, I appreciate French bee flying in such a rare and challenging itinerary, bringing competition in the market and giving people chance to visit an incredible/unique part of the world in many of terms.
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